THA Monthly Newsletter Vol 7. November 2022

Vol. 7 November 2022

Highlights

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Resident Resources

Table of Contents

Director's Note

THA Operations

Demolition & Revitalization

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

Resident News & Events

Resident Resources

Recipe of the Month

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.

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.

Two buildings remain in Phase 2 for abatement and demolition. The contractor is currently installing underground drainage pipes in Phases 1 and 2. Mad Dog Team has mobilized on site to begin vertical construction of Phase 1. Four buildings remain in Phase 2 to be demolished. Demolition permits have been applied for since the abatement has been completed. An electric pole was installed on Country Club Drive to supply temporary power to the site. The property was previously master-metered. The stormwater retention pond has been formed on the south end of the site, and storm structures and pipes are being set. THA executed a lease agreement with the contractor to store construction materials on-site. An official groundbreaking ceremony occurred on October 25, 2022.

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. 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 the time of relocation.

Retention
Pond

Storm Bypass
Structure Set

Drain Line
Installation

THA Celebrates Orange Ave Development Project with Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Tuesday, October 25, the Tallahassee Housing Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the progress being made on the Orange Avenue Development Project. The ceremony was held at 11:30 am at 2710 Country Club Drive in Tallahassee.

The redevelopment master plan was initiated by THA Executive Director Brenda Williams and her team, in collaboration with Columbia Residential. This collaborative effort between city and state stakeholders resulted with a plan to bring quality and affordable housing to mixed-income individuals and families.

The redevelopment project began several years ago when units at the former South City complex began showing signs of deterioration. The project was delayed during the height of the pandemic after supply shortages drove up construction cost and after years of perseverance, the groundbreaking event kicked off construction of the new Orange Avenue Development Project.

"The housing and affordability crisis is an ongoing challenge," said Brenda Williams, Executive Director. "We are excited to be breaking ground on a property that our neighbors can be proud of, and the economic opportunities that will bring our community transformative change."

To read more about this event and the building process, CLICK HERE.

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 through 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. Afterwards, the boys and girls begin their "Powerhour", during which they complete homework assignments and receive tutoring in any subject that may present them with difficulty. After completing homework, the boys and girls participate in one of the character and citizenship-building activities. These programs teach young people how to make positive decisions and develop good character traits. Prior to ending the day, the 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 the youth are encouraged to evolve into responsible, caring, and productive citizens. For information, email Kacy Dennis or call 850-656-8100.

Springfield Updates

Springfield's afterschool program is running and currently has 155 registered club members. There is an average of 30 members daily. This month, the teen members participated in a shoreline cleanup with Keep Tallahassee Beautiful where they assisted in cleaning Leon Lake. Hancock Whitney Bank visited the club and educated members on financial literacy. Members also had the opportunity to attend the DVV rally centered around maintaining healthy relationships. Member A. Atkinson has been excelling at Springfield! When he first became a member, he was struggling with his attitude and controlling his anger. He was not permitted to participate with the teen group because his behavior was not up to par. He has been working to utilize the skills he has learned and has gained the privilege to participate in teen group activities. Youth members are currently holding their elections for Keystones and Torch Club.

Pinewood Place Updates

Currently, Pinewood Place has 178 registered youth members. Pinewood opened its afterschool program this month and is averaging 30-35 daily members. Pinewood has partnered with FAMU Jewels and FAMU PBM to run two programs, Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood. These programs aim to educate the youth members on the fundamentals of being young men and women. The TCC Workforce has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to establish the Pathfinders program. On September 26, they teamed up to host the computer lab unveiling, where TCC sponsored sixteen brand-new computers. The youth members will learn essential skills as it pertains to workforce development, STEM, and coding. They will also have access to educational software to aid in academic success.

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 News & Events

Attention Parents!
Boys and Girls Club is recruiting youth!

The Boys and Girls Club is 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 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 these eligible. For more information, 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
Film Friday, Race to be Human | Friday, November 11th | 7:30 PM
Cascades Park, 1001 South Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, FL

Family Day at Lake Anita Park | Friday, November 25th | 10 AM
Lake Anita Park, 116 W Van Buren St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Second Harvest Turkey Give-a-Way | Thursday, November 17th | TBD
Location TBD

Local Events
80th Annual North Florida Fair | November 3-13th | All Day!
441 E. Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee FL 32301
Admission: $8
Youth: $5
Children 5 and younger FREE!

Tallahassee Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Races | Thursday, November 24th | 7:30 AM
SouthWood Esplanade Way, Tallahassee FL 32301
Admission: $15-$26

The Nutcracker | November 26-27 | 10:00 AM
Lee Hall Auditorium - FAMU, 1601 S Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tallahassee FL 32301
Admission: Ticket prices vary

Resident Resources

Thanksgiving Weekend Driving Safety Tips

This Thanksgiving weekend, most of us will be spending some time behind the wheel.

Before you drive, take some time to review these five Thanksgiving safety tips for driving.

Give Yourself Extra Time - With many people guaranteed to be on the roads, possible congestion and traffic jams may occur. Allow yourself time for bathroom breaks and time to sit in traffic or wait at tolls. Resist the urge to speed or weave through traffic as this will dramatically increase your chances of being in an accident. Your family and friends value your safety and will understand if you are late.

Focus on the Road - This weekend, more than ever, it is important that you do not multitask while driving. Be aware of other drivers' behavior and for your safety, remain calm and do not retaliate.

Provide Entertainment for Young Children - If children will be riding in your car, make sure to provide them with entertaining activities such as reading materials, hand-held gaming devices (with fully-charged batteries), or ideas for car games. Bored children are more likely to fight or move around the car, taking your attention off the road.

Prepare for Emergencies - If your car breaks down and leaves you stranded on the side of the road, ensure that your cell phone is fully charged. It is also important to have a fully stocked emergency kit in the trunk of your car. If you have a roadside assistance service, keep the company's number in an easily accessible location.

Appoint a Designated Driver - Many family dinners involve alcoholic beverages. If you will be drinking, plan and ensure that each vehicle has a designated driver. If necessary, sleep in a guest room or on the couch until it is safe to drive. And of course, while driving, look for drunk drivers on the road.

Help Wanted!

Tallahassee Housing Authority is hosting a Job Fair on Saturday, December 3 | 10AM - 12PM
THA is seeking skilled trade workers who specialize in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, framing, and general labor. Representatives from each industry will be on-site to conduct interviews.

Location: Orange Ave. Redevelopment site | 2710 Country Club Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32301

A New Grocery Locker is Open!

In partnership with Sabal Palm Elementary, Second Harvest opened a new grocery locker! This locker is temperature-controlled and will be a resource for families to pick up groceries outside of normal pantry hours. This is an exciting and innovative program at Second Harvest. Program Coordinator Kevin Hutcheson led the project. Leon County residents may order food for pick-up by using this link.

Additional Resources and Information

Springfield Managers:

Property Manager | Wilford Evans

Resident Program Coordinator | Sylvester Taylor

Maintenance Supervisor | Wayne Daniels

Griffin Heights Community News

The October Youth Trip for the Harambe Conference in St. Simons, Georgia was a success! One of our youth assistants Sade describes her experience as both empowering and life-changing. She also stated that it was nice to strategically plan all the different ways to bring communities together. One idea that a few of the members discussed included having a community farm where locals could have access to a source of fresh fruits and vegetables. Another idea included brainstorming ways to reach the youth and involve them in the community through programs such as Black Youth Leadership Development Institute and Environmental & Climate Justice which keeps children in touch with the environment.

On October 19th, our partner Tifini Austin at The Griffin Heights Children and Families Resource Center kicked off afterschool activities. Activities include yoga, dance, and youth talk every Wednesday and Friday from 4:00-6:00 PM. Drum lessons, Oasis, and Leon County Library Virtual Assistance will be coming soon!

Second Harvest THA's Partner Agency

Holiday Food Update | We have ordered the following items and will be placing them on the menu as soon as they arrive:

1,080 turkeys at $1 per pound, each weighing roughly 16-18 pounds

4,000 hams at $1.50 per pound, each weighing roughly 6-8 pounds

Holiday sides will be offered at a price lower than retail value and products are to be determined

We hope to have these items on the menu in the next two weeks. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Resident Resource Links

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.

Leon County School Calendar

Scholarship Info

Domestic Violence Protections (VAWA)

Additional Resources and Information

Pinewood Place Messages

Message from the Property Managers: Thank you to all the residents who take pride in keeping their front porches neat and clean. It makes a big difference at Pinewood Place!

Pinewood Place is excited to announce our Winter Wonderland Senior Prom happening this December! Invitations will be sent out soon for all senior residents.

Throughout October, residents got into the trick-or-treat spirit by decorating the outside of their homes. Great job to those who decorated and helped make Pinewood Place festive!

Rent Collection

ATTENTION All Public Housing Residents:
Pinewood Place, Scattered Sites, Hidden Pines, and Springfield Apartments

Rent is due on the first of every month and will be considered late after the fifth business day. After the fifth business day, a three (3) day notice will be issued, and a $10 late fee will be charged to your account. After the three (3) day notice expires, a thirty (30) day notice of termination will be issued, demanding rental payment plus appropriate late fees. As a resident, you are responsible for the rental payment unless it has been changed due to an Annual Recertification or Interim Recertification.

Annual Recertification for Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing

Housing Choice Voucher is required to send 120-day notices and Public Housing is required to send out 90- day notices for annual recertification.

The PHA must conduct a re-examination of family income and composition at least once a year. This includes gathering and verifying current information about family composition, income, and expenses.

The required information will include a PHA-designated re-examination form, an Authorization for the Release of Information/Privacy Act Notice, as well as supporting documents or forms related to the family's income, expenses, and family composition. Any required documents or information that the family is unable to provide at the time of the interview must be provided within 10 business days of the interview. If the family is unable to obtain the information or materials within the required time frame, the family may request an extension. If the family does not provide the required documents or information within the required time frame (plus any extensions), the family will be sent a notice of termination. If the family causes a delay in processing the annual re-examination, an increase in the share of the rent will be applied retroactively to the scheduled effective date of the annual re-examination. The family will also be responsible for any overpaid subsidy and may be offered a repayment agreement per the program policies.

Based on this updated information, family income and rent must be re-calculated. This includes discussing the annual re-examination schedule, verified information, and re-examination dates.

The THA will begin the annual re-examination process 120 days in advance of its scheduled effective date. The THA will schedule the annual re-examination dates to coincide with the families' anniversary dates.

Recipe of the Month

Thanksgiving Turkey

Why do people stress over their Thanksgiving Turkey? Turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal Let's squash any fears you might have about cooking a perfect, beautiful Thanksgiving turkey.

Buying the Turkey

Buy about 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. If you are feeding 6 people, buy at least a 10-pound turkey. This ensures that there will be leftovers.

Prepping the Turkey

Don't wash the turkey! If you wash your turkey in the sink it will become contaminated. Remove the turkey from its packaging, dry it off with paper towels, and prepare it for the oven.

Don't brine the turkey! If you buy a high-quality turkey from the store, then brining the turkey is an unnecessary step. You can still achieve a deliciously moist turkey without brining it. However, if the turkey is wild, you should brine it the night before.

Don't baste the turkey! Basting is unnecessary to produce a beautiful golden-brown turkey. It also requires you to constantly open the oven, which causes the oven to lose heat and the turkey will take longer to cook, which could lead to a dry turkey. By smearing a herb butter mixture over the outer and inner skin of the turkey, you will ensure the skin will brown beautifully and taste amazing.

Don't cook stuffing inside the turkey! If you try to put stuffing/dressing inside the cavity of the bird, the turkey will be overcooked by the time the stuffing reaches a temperature that is safe to eat. Instead, cook your stuffing in a casserole dish. Then, you can fill the cavity of the turkey with things that will give it flavor (and add flavor to the drippings/stock): salt and pepper, any mixture of onion, apple, carrots, celery, or citrus.

Test the turkey with a thermometer! The only way to tell if the turkey is cooked (165 degrees F) is by using a thermometer. Test the turkey right from the oven (if it reaches 160 degrees F, take it out and tent it with foil). Let it rest for 15-40 min.

You don't need an expensive roasting pan! If you have a big mental roasting pan, great! If you don't, use a casserole dish big enough to fit the bird or buy a dollar disposable foil roasting pan from Walmart. Place a bunch of chopped veggies on the bottom of your pan. The veggies will act like the wire rack in a regular roasting pan by elevating the turkey slightly. Place the turkey right on top of the chopped veggies.

Save the turkey drippings! After the turkey is finished cooking, there will be juice and browned cooked bits at the bottom of the roasting pan. You can reserve all of this to make turkey gravy.

Instructions

Remove the thawed turkey from the packaging. Remove the neck (usually found in the large cavity of the bird) and the bag of giblets (sometimes found in the smaller neck cavity of the bird). Discard them or save them for gravy. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff it with quartered lemon, onion, apple, and herbs. Tuck the wings of the turkey underneath the turkey and set the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan (or on top of a bed of chopped vegetables) - in a disposable roasting pan. Use your fingers to loosen and lift the skin and smooth a few tablespoons of herb butter underneath. Use some twine to tie the turkey legs together. Slather the outside turkey in the rest of the herb butter. That's it! You are ready to let your oven do the rest of the work! You will want to check the turkey about halfway through cooking. Use your oven light to see if the skin is golden, and then place a large piece of tinfoil over the breast meat of the turkey to help keep it from overcooking.

THA News & Highlights

Agency Spotlight

Bond Community Health Center Honored Legacy with Dedication

Mother Janice Stanley has dedicated a lifetime of service and giving back to her community. She has operated a Second Harvest pantry for decades. Recently, the Bond Community Health Center celebrated the living legacy of Mother Janice Stanley with a dedication ceremony for the center's newly renovated waiting room. We would like to give our thanks to Mother Stanley for her dedication and love of the community. We are blessed to have her on our team!

Employee Spotlight!

William Arnold - Thank you for your collaborative efforts in the landscaping for the front area of the office!

Happy Birthday!

Teresita & Steve Taylor

November 2nd
November 19th

Motivational Quote of the Month

"Everything you do and every decision you make should be from a place of good. You should always be striving to make the world a better place." - Les Brown