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THA Monthly Newsletter Vol 5. September 2022

Vol. 5 September 2022

The Orange Avenue Redevelopment Newsletter. Tallahassee Housing Authority. Providing homes, building families, enhancing the future. 850-385-6126. TallHA .org. Accessibility Icons.

Highlights

  • THA Employment Opportunities
  • Orange Ave. Updates

Table of Contents

  • Director's Note
  • THA Operations
  • Demolition & Revitalization
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
  • Resident News & Events
  • Resident Resources
  • THA News & Highlights

Director's Corner

Welcome to the THA monthly newsletter!

Dear Residents - As we redefine our work and deepen our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable community residence, we are pleased to share this newsletter to provide you with the latest news, developments, accomplishments, and updates from the Tallahassee Housing Authority (THA) properties and staff.

As Executive Director, it is our mission to enhance and expand the quality of life in our community and to maintain and provide quality affordable housing. THA will facilitate a network of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for our residents. We are committed to quality service and will provide a professional atmosphere to our employees, partners, and the greater Tallahassee constituency.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns you may have. I am here to serve you.

Email Brenda Williams | 850.385.6126

Brenda Williams
Executive Director

Ms. Brenda Williams, Executive Director of Tallahassee Housing Authority, Headshot.

THA Operations

The Mission of the Tallahassee Housing Authority is to maintain and provide quality, affordable housing and facilitate a network of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Here's What We Do and How We Do It

Tallahassee Housing Authority provides quality affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income households, fosters sustainable communities, and cultivates opportunities for residents to improve their lives in collaboration with local support services. Much of the public housing stock in Tallahassee is over forty years old and is well-maintained by the housing authority. Over time, we will work toward the redevelopment of our housing stock. A principal plan for redevelopment was recently completed for our Orange Avenue Apartments.

The Authority is governed by a volunteer seven-person Board of Commissioners appointed by the City of Tallahassee Commission. Through formal adoption of the policy, they ensure that the Authority is fiscally responsible and operates in an efficient manner.

The Authority consists of three (3) distinctive residential Public Housing communities (aka Asset Management Properties or AMPs) located in the incorporated areas of Tallahassee, Florida. There are a total of 549 residential units consisting of 41 single-family detached homes and 12 duplex units. The Authority also owns and maintains a 93-unit Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartment community.

The Tallahassee Housing Authority is working to improve efficiencies so that all of our customers have access to information and services.

Explore the various links on our website. You'll find available rentals, services, more about our programs, information about payments, and lots more. www.tallha.org/about-tha.

A man holding a baby on his shoulders with a woman standing behind the baby.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

BGCBB and THA

The mission of the BGCBB is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Club membership is free to Tallahassee Housing Authority residents, and enrollment is accepted at any time. The Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend provides youth development activities, at no cost, to the residents of the Springfield and Pinewood Place communities. Our program operates Monday thru Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM after school. During the summer, our hours extend from 8:00 AM thru 5:30 PM.

At the beginning of each Boys & Girls Club program, the boys and girls are greeted by staff and then served a healthy snack. Afterward, the boys and girls begin their "Power hour," during which they complete homework assignments and receive tutoring in any subject that may present them with difficulty. After completing homework, our boys and girls participate in one of our character and citizenship-building activities. These programs teach our young people how to make positive decisions and develop good character traits. Prior to ending the day, our youth participate in a high-yield activity that gets them moving and energized. These activities include football, basketball, and dance. The Boys & Girls Club provides a positive environment in which our youth are encouraged to evolve into responsible, caring, and productive citizens. For information, email Kacy Dennis here or call 850-656-8100.

BGCBB Club Membership, CLICK HERE!

Pinewood Place Accomplishments

  • Currently, at Pinewood, there are 129 registered club members, and the daily attendance averaged 45 members as Pinewood wrapped up an exciting summer program at the end of July. Members enjoyed a fun eight-week summer program that was both educational and fun and was sad to see it end.
  • The member of the month is L. Gomez, a rising 2nd-grade student at Sealey Elementary School. Miss Gomez moved to Tallahassee the first week of summer camp to live with her siblings and grandparents. Since starting the summer program, she fell in love with the Boys & Girls Club and has been a joy to have in the club! She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
  • Members participated in a community clean-up by picking up trash around the neighborhood and park. Pinewood received a special visit from NFL Draft pick Markquese Bell, where he shared his story with youth members and inspired them to keep working towards their goals.
  • Pinewood has been making major strides in educating club members about the various avenues to achieving success. The teens at Pinewood had the opportunity to attend a tour of FSU where they visited many of the colleges and engaged with current students.
  • Pinewood is currently preparing for after-school programs and is looking forward to starting the academic school year!

Weekly Activities

  • Second Harvest Commodities food deliveries
  • Second Harvest of the Big Bend food giveaway

Demolition & Revitalization

THA is redeveloping the Orange Avenue Apartments!

The redevelopment plan is expected to bring economic opportunities to residents. Through a partnership with Purpose Built Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving racial equity, economic mobility, and health outcomes in communities across the country, the revitalization plan for Orange Avenue will also improve educational and health outcomes. The revitalization plan is designed with a holistic cradle-to-college approach not only to address residents' housing but to connect resources at all angles, including educational resources and access to quality healthcare.

All the buildings in Phase 1 have been demolished, including the community center. All of the units in Phase 2 are being abated. Once the abatement is complete, they will also be demolished. Phase 3 is vacant, and the units have been fenced in to secure the property.

The first phase of revitalized Orange Avenue Apartments is set to be completed by the end of 2023. The timeline for the entire four-phased project ranges from seven to 10 years from the onset of Phase 1 to the final ribbon cutting for Phase 4. The long-awaited change remains at the core of the capital city's efforts and will add to robust improvements for the southside community.

A cleared lot with heavy equipment tracks in the dirt is surrounded by trees Priscilla Drive Apartment building sits empty with a pile of dirt and rubble out front. The Orange Ave Redevelopment Mock Up. Drain Pipes being installed during Phase 1. Country Club Drive is surrounded by a large chain link fence.

Resident News & Events

A dad holding a baby.

Attention Parents!
Boys and Girls Club is recruiting youth!

Boys and Girls Club Summer Program has ended and they are recruiting youth for their after school program which starts in September. For more information, call Club Director Shavonda Dennis at 850-656-8100.

Attention Seniors!
Elder Care Qualification for Senior Residents.

Any residents 60 years of age or older may qualify for services at Elder Care Services. Free fans and space heaters may be provided depending upon the need. Also, assistance with utility bills may be provided to those eligible. Please contact Elder Care Services at 850. 921.5554.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Locate a food pantry near you by clicking HERE

Second Harvest of the Big Bend provides healthy food to relieve situations of emergency and distress year-round.

Free Events
The Fuzzy Pineapple Food Festival | Saturday September 3rd | 12 PM
1205 South Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Sundown Concert Series at Cascades Park | Saturday September 17th | 7 PM
Capital City Amphitheater at Cascades Park, 1001 South Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Friday Night Block Party Featuring Tyler Dial | Friday September 30th | 5 PM
CollegeTown, 805 West Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304

Local Events
Jurassic Quest | September 2nd-4th | 5 PM
Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W Pensacola St,Tallahassee, FL, United States, Tallahassee
Admission: Varies CLICK HERE TO FIND TICKETS

JJ Grey and Mofro Live in Concert | Friday September 9th | 6 PM
Capital City Amphitheater at Cascades Park, 1001 South Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Admission: $30

Tallahassee Caribbean Carnival | September 9th-11th | 12 PM
2810 Sharer Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Admission: Kids $3, Adults $5

Resident Resources

Creating Your Hurricane Safety Plan

If you live on or close to the east or gulf coasts of the United States, it's important to plan a safe evacuation route that leads 20-50 miles inland.

Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter and ask for the community's emergency preparedness plan. In addition, take the time to discuss your plan with any family members, friends, or coworkers to ensure that everyone is on the same page if natural disaster strikes in your area!

Stock Up on Disaster Supplies

Don't wait until a storm hits to gather the necessary products and supplies to stay safe from inclement weather.

Here is a list of basic emergency supplies to have on hand:

  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kits
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Local maps
  • Essential medicines and supplies

Click here for Storm Prep Resources.

Assistant Director of Housing Choice Voucher Program
Supervisor | Director of Operations
Salary Range | Minimum - $60,000.00 - Maximum commensurate with experience.
Hire Date | Applications accepted until position filled.
Position Description | Reporting to the Director of Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) Program, this position directly supervises Waiting List Management, Quality Control, Inspections, Project Base Voucher Initiatives, and all Special Programs, including Family Self Sufficiency and Homeownership Programs.

For more information on this position, visit the THA website by clicking HERE!

Resident Kudos

Providing Homes, Building Families, and Enhancing the Future

Ellen Washington relocated from Orange Ave. to a single-family home on Apache with her children. Having resided in the Orange Avenue Complex since 2010, she was somewhat apprehensive about the move. However, with the varied assistance provided by Housing specialist, Eurika Vickers, she stated she was somewhat relieved. Ms. Vickers helped with everything from providing boxes to driving to help with locating a new resident. She is so happy to now reside in a single-family home in a nice neighborhood. When asked what she misses most about Orange Ave., Ms. Washington claimed she missed the people but is much happier now that her kids have a backyard, and her new residence is more spacious. Her kids are excited about the new home, to attend their new schools, and to make new friends. Ms. Washington stated that all her concerns regarding the relocation process were put to rest by the diligence of Ms. Vickers. She says she loves single-home living and has no plan to return to Orange Ave. apartments upon completion. She stresses that this was the best move she could have made for herself and her family!

A neatly trimmed yard stretches out in front of the Orange Avenue Apartment building.

Teresa Daniels and her kids have resided at Orange Ave. apartments since 2018. Ms. Daniels used her Housing Choice Voucher to obtain a single-family home for her and her children so that they can be happier in a family-oriented, safer environment. Ms. Daniels is very satisfied with her new house and her children have adjusted to their new surroundings as they started new schools. Both her 9-year-old and her senior in high school like the area and their new home. When asked if she plans to return to Orange Ave. once it's completed, she stated that she always wanted to have a home and now that she has one, she has no desire to return to apartment living. She said, "I know [the new apartments] will be very nice, but I'd rather stay where I am".

 

Pinewood Place Housekeeping Standards

The following standards apply to apartment and scattered site developments; some standards apply only when the area noted is for the exclusive use of Resident:

  • Yards: should be free of debris, trash and abandoned cars. Exterior walls should be free of graffiti. Only small wading swimming pools allowed at THA developments.
  • Only lightweight outdoor furniture may be placed in THA yards, on porches, or elsewhere outdoors. No more than five
  • (5) Five items total will be allowed at scattered site.
  • Porches (front and rear): should be clean and free of hazards. Any items stored on the porch shall not impede access to the unit.
  • Steps (front and rear): should be clean and free of hazards.
  • Sidewalks: should be clean and free of hazards.
  • Storm Doors: should be clean, with glass or screens intact.
  • Parking lot and drives: should be free of abandoned cars. There should be no major car repairs performed on THA premises.

Upcoming Makeovers

  • Laundry Room
  • Landscaping

Employee Spotlight

A woman with dark hair, wearing glasses smiles at the camera.

Teresita Arias
Assistant Property Manager
Pinewood Place Apartments

Thank you for all that you do for us at Pinewood Place!

Two sets of hands laying on a table.

Resident Resource Links

THA News & Highlights

Tallahassee Housing Authority employees passed the HCV Specialist Exam

Congratulations to Precious Alls, Lasharra Ellington, and Latonya Nolen for recently passing the HCV Specialist Exam, administered by Nan McKay. Ensuring specialists are able to explain and apply HUD regulations and guidance to determine eligibility, the intake process, occupancy, and rent calculation in the housing choice voucher (HCV) program, is important to the overall mission of THA.

Precious Alls smiles sweetly.

Precious Alls 

Lasharra Ellington smiles brightly.

Lasharra Ellington

Community Goodness

TPD Officer Henni Hamby provided Pinewood Place resident, Nikitra Cofield, with school backpacks for her children.

Henni Hamby kneels on the floor and pulls her children tightly to her sides.

Wellness Plans

We are encouraging fitness one step at a time!

When THA began a wellness program in early April, several employees were on board with taking 15-minute walks around the complex. However, as temperatures soared into the 90s, only two employees, Tiffany Hunter and Dana Green, remained. They came up with a plan to continue their wellness journey by meeting at the office at 6:30 A.M. to get a walk completed before temperatures became unbearable. Both admit that meeting early in the morning was a daunting task, but with considerable preparation and encouraging each other, they were successful. Tiffany reported that she was feeling better and that her blood pressure has reduced while Dana boasted losing approximately 9lbs. They both have enjoyed the benefits of feeling better overall!

TIffany Hunter smiles excitedly as she stands outside.

Springfield Complex

Monthly News

  • Local attorney and President of Innovative Community Engagement Foundation, GC Murray, provided back-to-school supplies to residents at Springfield on August 6.
  • The Second Harvest annual site inspection was passed with zero discrepancies.
  • Whole Child Leon cohosted Whole Child Leon with the woman's group at Springfield.
  • Myesha Mitchell, Director of the Griffin Heights Family & Children Resource Center, located at 1700 Joe Louis Street, Tallahassee, FL, continues to provide resources to the residents of Springfield.
  • TPD continues to provide security at Springfield. The "Friendly Face of Security" off-duty officer patrols the Springfield complex nights and weekends. Be safe!
  • Second Harvest food drop schedule: 1st Tuesdays at Pinewood, 2nd Tuesdays at Springfield, every Thursday at Springfield and Pinewood. USDA drops are hosted at Pinewood on the 2nd Friday of each month.
  • Welcome back new and returning students at FSU, FAMU, TCC, and Lively Tech

The Friendly Face of Security off duty officer smiles with a local citizen.

Are you sweating while putting gas in your car? Feeling sick when paying for it?

You've got carowner virus!

New Benefits for THA Landlords!

THA is now offering improved financial incentives for new units. Benefits include a signing bonus of $500 per new unit leased to homeless families using the Emergency Housing Voucher through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This offer is only available while funding lasts. Join the HCV Program today to get started! For more information, please call 850-385-6126.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

THA would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to the following employees:

  • Sharlene Chandler
  • Greg Washington

LET'S COOK!

Sweetie Pie's Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

1lb cooked elbow macaroni

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cans evaporated milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 lb monterey jack cheese
  • 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup shredded American or mild cheddar cheese

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350
  • Put pasta in 9x13 dish and set aside
  • Mix milk and eggs well
  • Add butter, sour cream, colby, monterey, sharp, and Velveeta cheese to the pasta
  • Pour milk and egg mixture over pasta
  • Season with salt, pepper, sugar, toss
  • Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
  • Bake for 30-45 min until lightly browned on top

HUD HCV Landlord Newsletter