Orange Avenue RedevelopmentTHA Monthly Newsletter Vol 6. October 2022
Vol. 6 October 2022
Highlights
- Hurricane Safety Plans
- THA Employment Opportunities
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
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.
Resident News & Events
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 started in September. For more information, call Club Director Shavonda Dennis at 850.656.8100.
Attention Seniors!
Elder Care Qualification for Senior ResidentsAny 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 be eligible. Please contact Elder Care Services at 850.921.5554.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Locate a food pantry near you by clicking HERESecond Harvest of the Big Bend provides healthy food to relieve situations of emergency and distress year-round.
Free Events
Downtown Yoga | Thursday, October 6th | 6 PM
Kleman Plaza, 306 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
FSU Symphonic and Concert Bands Performance | Monday, October 10th | 7 PM
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, 222 S. Copeland St., Tallahassee, FL 32304
A Walk to Remember 2022 | Thursday, October 16th | 4:30 PM
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Walk | Saint Paul's United Methodist Church, 1700 North Meridian Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303Local Events
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Special Guest Big Freedia | Thursday, October 13th | 7 PM
Capital City Amphitheater 1001 S. Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Admission: $30FSU vs Clemson at home | Saturday, October 15th | 7:30 PM
Doak Campbell Stadium 403 Stadium Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Admission: variesFAMU Homecoming Parade and Football Game 2022 | Saturday, October 29th | 8 AM and 4 PM
PARADE | FAMU Way
GAME | Bragg Memorial Stadium 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32307
Admission: may vary
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.
Phase 1 construction is underway, and the first pad has been poured. There are two buildings remaining in Phase 2 for demolition. An official groundbreaking is slated for October 25th at 11:30 AM. Please join our community in the celebration of this project!
Replacement Units/Right to Return:
All residents relocated because of the new development at the Orange Avenue Apartments site will have first priority preference right of return to move back into the new development upon its completion. Preference right of return residents are residents who meet the eligibility Section of the Tallahassee Housing Authority Choice-Based Relocation Plan. Each returning resident exercising the preference right of return will be offered a unit at a rental price based on 30% of the resident’s income under HUD project-based voucher rent criteria. Subject to changes in income, family size, and assets within HUD rental guidelines, no resident shall pay more for rent than such resident was paying at time of relocation.
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 or call 850-656-8100.
Springfield Apartment Updates
Currently, at Springfield, there are 150 registered club members and an average of 30 members a day. Members in the after-school program are excelling in their homework "power hour" and have set goals towards achieving academic success this school year. The member of the month is L. Hampton, a 7th-grade student at Kingdom Life Academy.
Members at Springfield recently had the opportunity to spend the day at Foley & Lardner, a local law firm in Tallahassee. They helped fill over 500 backpacks for the back-to-school drive, toured the law firm, and enjoyed a nice lunch with the partners. Springfield is planning exciting things for the fall and winter seasons and aims to involve the youth more in the community.
Pinewood Place Updates
Currently, there are 170 club members at Pinewood Place and a daily average of 45 members. Shennele Baskins, resident of scattered sites, is the new club leader at Pinewood Boys and Girls Club. Pinewood is gearing up for an awesome after-school program, as the program was closed in August. While the site was closed, it was thoroughly cleaned and set up to ensure that everything is up to date on the safety standards.
Pinewood Place hosted a back-to-school drive where we gave away 500 backpacks and school supplies to resident members and the community. In addition, we hosted a clothing drive sponsored by the Delta Kappa Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. They donated 35 bins of clothing for both youth and families. We also hosted an interest meeting for the stick patrol drumline and gave information about the program. The site is off to a great start this academic school year!
Weekly Activities
- Second Harvest Commodities food deliveries
- Second Harvest of the Big Bend food giveaway
- Second Harvest delivery dates for Springfield: 2nd Tuesdays and Thursday from 2:00PM - 3:30PM
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.
Housing Specialist | Housing Choice Voucher Program
Salary | $17 Hourly
Status | Non-Exempt
Position Description | The position duties include a wide range of activities related to determining and documenting applicant and/or participant eligibility, income, rent, and contractual relationships with owners in support of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) operations using written administrative policies and procedures. The position requires full accountability for assigned cases, including accurate and complete files, resolution of customer service cases, and responsiveness to participant and landlord inquiries.For more information on this position, visit the THA website by clicking HERE!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
If you need help recovering from or escaping domestic violence, please click to visit the following resources:
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.
Additional Resources and Information
- Springfield Managers:
- Property Manager | Wilford Evans
- Resident Program Coordinator | Sylvester Taylor
- Maintenance Supervisor | Wayne Daniels
- Dianne Williams is no longer with the THA. The staff wishes her the best in all her future endeavors.
- Griffin Heights Children and Family Resource Center provides services to THA residents.
- Springfield site pest control schedule | 1st Thursday, Units 1-100 and 3rd Thursday, Units 101-up.
- The Pinewood Grounds Crew will be planting flowers and adding mulch to improve the curb appeal.
- For information on the Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) and what it can do for you, CLICK HERE. For additional questions, email Victor Jean or call 850-385-6126 and press #3.
- October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Dyslexia is not a disorder of any kind but rather a learning impairment that causes problems with writing, reading, and spelling. The intelligence of dyslexic people is unaffected. This common misunderstanding of the condition leads to stigmas, which Dyslexia Awareness
- Month aims to help eradicate. To learn more about Dyslexia, CLICK HERE.
- Customer service is our number one priority. Please take a moment to check out THA's customer service survey. Your input is very important to us! Surveys are located in the offices of both Springwood and Pineview.
- A big thank you to the Tallahassee Police Department! With their help, the site has seen a decrease in criminal activity.
Resident Resource Links
- Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.- Leon County Bus Routes
- Leon County School Calendar
- Scholarship Info
- Domestic Violence Protections (VAWA)
- Free Food Resources
Recipe of the Month
Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie
This pie has a thin layer of brown sugar on the bottom as the crust. This “black bottom” adds flavor and keeps the filling from making the crust soggy. Serve it with whipped cream if you like.
INGREDIENTS:
Pie Crust
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening, chilled
1/3 cup ice water
Filling
3 large orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (Louisiana yams), scrubbed
8 tablespoons butter, melted (1 stick)
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup half-and-half
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
Pie Crust
Sift the flour and salt into a medium bowl. Add the shortening. Using a fork or a pastry blender, cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few pea-sized bits. Stirring with the fork, gradually add enough water until the mixture clumps together (you may need more or less water). Gather the dough and press it into a thick disk. If desired, wrap the dough in wax paper and refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 13-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick. Fold the dough in half. Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, and gently unfold the dough to fit into the pan. Using scissors or a knife, trim the dough to a 1-inch overhang. Fold the dough, so the edge of the fold is flush with the edge of the pan. Flute the dough around the edge of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while making the filling.
Filling
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the sweet potatoes and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 30 minutes. Drain and run under cold water until cool enough to handle. Peel the sweet potatoes and place them in a medium bowl.
Measure 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes, keeping any extra for another use, and set aside. the edge of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while making the filling.
Assembly
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Uncover the pie shell and brush the interior with some of the melted butter. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of brown sugar over the bottom of the pie shell. Bake until the pie dough is set and just beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. If the pie shell puffs, do not prick it.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, mix the mashed potatoes, the remaining melted butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar, the granulated sugar, eggs, half-and-half, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread into the partially baked pie shell, smoothing the top.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F. Bake until a knife inserted in the center of the filling comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool completely on a wire cake rack. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with whipped cream.
THA News & Highlights
Employee Spotlight
Kudos to Albert Daniel, Darrick Beckton, Antonio Patterson, Jerry Maul, Anthony Grant and Karl Lofton for working hard to achieve a REAC score of 84.
Property Manager Angela McKinnon said they went the extra mile to make THA shine.
Community Goodness
Congratulations to THA Utility worker Christopher Simmons on receiving his high school diploma!
Happy Birthday
Precious Alls & Brenda Williams!
Comedy Corner
“I just cleared out some more space in the freezer” sounds better than “I just polished off another pint of Ben & Jerry’s.”
Community Success
Congratulations to THA and everyone involved in the successful passing of HUD's REAC (Real Estate Assessment Center).
Pinewood Place received a score of 84 and Springfield scored 78! REAC is HUD's national standard for the physical inspections of real estate. REAC improves housing quality by performing accurate, credible, and reliable assessments of HUD's real estate and ensures safe, healthy, decent, and sanitary conditions of properties.
A passing score for REAC Physical Inspections is 60 or above.
New Positions
Congratulations, Shennele Baskins, on your role of new club leader at Pinewood Boys and Girls Club! Shennele has been working with children since 2012 and has earned degrees in Early Childhood Education and Social Work.
She possesses the right tools to make a difference in the life of kids at the boys and girls club. Shennele also is a THA participant and success story. Living at one of the THA scattered sites with her four children since 2014, she knows the importance of education and hard work. Shennele testifies that having safe, affordable housing was one less thing to worry about as she tackled her goals.
Congratulations to Victor Jean, the new Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator! Victor seeks to help families become self-sufficient and increase their earned income. He enters this position by striving to provide "Excellence with Care" to all participants.
THA On Camera
Lights, Camera, Action!THA partnered with FSU's College of Social Work to film a series of training videos of positive messages at the Springfield location.
Director Dhomonique Murphy, Founder & President of The Right Method, auditioned Springfield participants for roles in the training videos.
Clean Up with "Cash for Trash"
City of Tallahassee's Biannual Event Returns Saturday, October 15, from 8 AM to 2 PM.
"Cash for Trash" is traditionally held each year to help you get rid of unwanted trash items that are too large to fit in their 96-gallon garbage containers, as well as household hazardous waste. The biannual event will be held at the City's Community Beautification and Waste Management facility, located at 2727 Municipal Way, near Messer Field.
Participating City residential utility customers with an active garbage service account will receive a $5 credit toward their utility bill. To receive the credit, customers must present a city utility bill before offloading materials. Customers can make multiple trips; however, only one credit per utility bill will be issued.
Examples of items residents may bring include furniture, large and small household appliances, tires (limit four per customer; no commercial tires), household hazardous waste and electronic items (including computers and computer parts). Batteries, cleaners, paints, pesticides, and solvents are also accepted. No household garbage, yard waste, or construction/demolition debris will be accepted.
For more information, visit Talgov.com/YOU or call City of Tallahassee Utilities at 850-891-4968.
HUD HCV Landlord Newsletter