THA Monthly Newsletter Vol 3. March 2023

Vol. 3 March 2023

Highlights:

Black History Month Feature

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

Black History Month Special Feature

Resident Highlights & Community News

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 346 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. TallHA.org/About-THA.

Demolition & Revitalization

THA is redeveloping the Orange Avenue Apartments!

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 purpose built model 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.

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 time of relocation.

Construction updates are as follows:

Final grading work is ongoing

Building 1 framing is underway

Building 2 framing is underway

Building 3 concrete pour is complete

Building 4 concrete pour is complete

Building 5 plumbing underground is underway

Final signage package pending from A1 Team (The Gardens at South City - A Columbia Residential Community)

Lumber is still being delivered and stored onsite

Site conduit installation is ongoing

Grading work has started on Phase 2 site

Phase 2 storm structures are pending delivery

THA Press Conference

THA held a press conference on the Orange Avenue site to announce the closing of Phase II of the Orange Avenue Redevelopment Project. Local community leaders and stakeholders gathered in support and celebration. In attendance: THA Board of Commission; Commissioners Diane Williams-Cox, Curtis Richardson, Nick Maddox and Bill Proctor; Former Senator Lorranne Ausley, Former Congressman Al Lawson, School Board Member Darryl Jones and members of the South City Foundation.

In a collaborative effort, a representative of THA community partner South City Foundation shared details regarding federal funding recently received and how it will benefit the new Orange Avenue community. This important milestone marked a significant step forward in the agency's mission to provide high-quality, affordable housing options for low-to-middle-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

The overall cost for Phase II of the project is $44,950,000, bringing the total project cost for both phases to $82,701,370. This mixed-income housing development is being carried out in phases and represents a substantial investment in the city's south side.

Funding partners for the Orange Avenue Redevelopment Project include: The City of Tallahassee, Leon County, Leon County Finance Authority, Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Boys & Girls Club 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. The program operates Monday thru Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM after school. During the summer, the 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.

Click here for BGCBB Club Membership.

Springfield Updates

Springfield ended the year with 163 youth served in 2022. They started the new year off strong with 23 renewal memberships and an average daily attendance of 20 youth. The members at Springfield attended the Martin Luther King march to the capital on MLK day, and participated in a community clean-up for community service.

Springfield partnered with Jack & Jill to present its Mind, Body & Soul series where Dr. Camille Blake provided "Body Basics: Head-to-Toe" advice on staying healthy. Youth also received a visit from Jennifer at "Just Get Fit" for a fitness session.

Springfield's member of the month is M. Carter. He has been a member since 2020 and enjoys participating in activities and helping others in the classroom.

Pinewood Place Updates

Pinewood ended the year with 192 youth served in 2022. They started the new year off strong with 28 renewal memberships and 33 youth on average in daily attendance. Alumni of the club hosted a vision board party to help teen members set goals for 2023.

The youth at Pinewood attended DJ Demp Week's celebrity basketball game and the anti-bully rally. Pinewood partnered with the Tallahassee Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, and members also received a mentoring session from Coach O'Neil Brown. The session centered around the theme "Excuses don't get results," and encouraged youth to implement discipline, consistency, effort, and patience.

One of the youngest club members, Ms. L. Cooper, learned how to take responsibility and hold herself accountable. She is benefiting from the program tremendously.

Weekly Activities

Second Harvest Commodities food deliveries

Second Harvest of the Big Bend food giveaway

Second Harvest delivery dates for Springfield: 2nd Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM.

"Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work." - Gustave Flaubert

Resident News & Events

Attention Students!
Students United Way

Calling all students! Students United Way is an affinity group associated with United Way of the Big Bend. This group provides students with the opportunity to enhance leadership skills through teamwork, service, and fundraising that help to better the community. For more information on joining this program and to apply, please click here.

Attention Seniors!
Project Based Voucher Waitlist for Senior Residents

The Tallahassee Housing Authority has opened the Project Based Voucher Program wait list for Westminster Gardens through March 16th at 9AM. Tallahassee Housing Authority accepts online pre-applications only. The waitlist is open for studio and one-bedroom apartments, and applicants must be 62 years of age or older. Click here to access an application. Contact 850.385.6126 for more information.

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 residents in emergency circumstances and distress year-round.

Free Events

Virtual Event, "I Am Because We Are": Identity, Migration, and Defining Self in the African Diaspora | Thursday March 2nd | 12:30-1:45 PM

First Friday at Railroad Square | Friday March 3rd | 6 PM
Railroad Square 620 Railroad Square, Tallahassee FL 32310

Elizabeth Catlett & Samella Lewis: Art, Community & Higher Education, Free Workshop | Saturday March 4th | 12:30, 2:00, 3:30 PM
Gadsden Arts Center & Museum at 13 N. Madison Street, Quincy, FL 32351

Local Events

The Jungle Book Musical Production | Thursday March 23rd | 6:30 PM
The Fallon Theatre 530 W Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Admission: $10 | For purchase info, click here.

Pioneer Breakfast 2023 | Saturday March 25th | 8 AM
Tallahassee Museum on 3945 Museum Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Admission: $19.50 Adults, $14 Kids | For purchase info, click here.

Jay Leno | Wednesday, March 29th | 7:30 PM
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, Florida State University on 222 S. Copeland St., Tallahassee, FL 32306
Admission: prices vary | For purchase info, click here.

Resident Resources

Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program!

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a HUD sponsored effort to assist families to become economically self-sufficient. FSS participants sign a five-year contract, during which time they complete an educational or vocational program, obtain employment and become free from governmental assistance.

Tallahassee Housing Authority was awarded an $87,120 HUD FSS Grant to administer the FSS program and pay for the salary of the FSS Coordinator (FSS Award photo below). As of February 17, the FSS Program has grown to 50/50 participants and we look forward to establishing an FSS Waitlist. As contracts expire, applicants will be pulled from the waitlist to help new families.

STAR Program

The Student Transportation for Academics and Responsibilities (STAR) Program is a StarMetro, City of Tallahassee, and Leon County Schools pilot program to encourage area students to use public transportation for school, work, extracurricular activities, or other responsibilities free of charge by using your STAR card. StarMetro's STAR Program (previously known as the Students Fare-Free Pilot Program) provides unaccompanied students in grades 6-12 within Leon County free transportation with a STAR Program card AND a current signed agreement on file. The STAR Program will provide students in kindergarten through fifth grade within Leon County free transportation ONLY if the student is accompanied by a sixth grader or older sibling, legal guardian, or parental designee, has a STAR Program card, AND a signed agreement on file. The bus stop and public transportation system are considered an extension of the classroom and students are expected to observe the same code of discipline expected in the school classroom and on school buses. Please review all code and policy information on the agreement form.

All Leon County Schools K-12 students (including charter schools) who wish to participate in the program must register for the program through Leon County Schools/Focus Parent Portal.

Free Food Pantries in Tallahassee and Leon County

Good News Outreach, Food Pantry
Address: 548 E Bradford Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
850.412.0016
Distributes free food, meals, clothing, and more to senior citizens and low-income families across Leon County, Florida. Call the center to get information on programs administered.

Wildwood Church, Our Father's Storehouse
100 Ox Bottom Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312
850.894.1400

Church of Christ
Multiple locations
CLICK HERE TO LOCATE
Free food as available and/or household.

Promise Land Ministries Lighthouse, Inc.
Address: 20 Church Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327
850.926.3281

Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc.
309 Office Plaza Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Food, shelter, meals, and grant programs are offered for short-term needs. They also have applications to Florida and federal government programs, such as SNAP benefits or free lunches for children.

Salvation Army, Foodbank/Pantry
5016 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304
850.222.0304
Services include clothing, thrift store, holiday assistance or gifts, food, and social services. Senior citizens may be able to receive a home-delivered meal. They also serve Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas meals, as well as give out boxes of free groceries from the pantry.

ECHO
702 W Madison St, Tallahassee, Florida 32304
850.224.3267

The deadline to file your taxes is April 18, 2023!

Get your taxes done FOR FREE!
Click here to view locations.

Resident Resource Links

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

Leon County School Calendar

Catholic Charities, NWFLT, Emergency Assistance
Free food and meals, help with electric bills, grocery vouchers, Christmas and Thanksgiving meals, and more.

Domestic Violence Protections (VAWA)

Annual PHA Plan Hearing Notice

The THA 2023 Annual PHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to policies, programs, operations, and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. A draft copy of the 2023 Annual Plan is available for review at the THA Main Office is located at 2940 Grady Road and all public housing site management offices located at 1700 Joe Louis Street #15 and 605 Steele Drive. Office hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday-Friday, except on federal holidays.

A Public Hearing will be held at the following times:
March 8, 2023 | 5:30 PM at the Springfield Community Center | 1700 Joe Louis Street
March 9, 2023 | 5:30 PM at the Fregly Community Center | 2940 Grady Road

The purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity for members of the Tallahassee community, both residents and non-residents, to provide their comments regarding THA's 2023 PHA Annual Plan. Comments on the plan will be accepted until 5:00 PM on March 10, 2023, and can be emailed to Tawana or faxed to 850.386.5534. They can also be submitted by U.S. Mail to Tallahassee Housing Authority, Attn: Annual Plan Comments, 2940 Grady Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32312.

The THA will provide services or devices that allow persons with sensory, manual, and speaking disabilities to have equal opportunity to participate in its programs or activities. If such services or devices are needed, THA must be notified within 5 working days before a particular meeting, program, or activity so that provisions can be made.

For assistance, please call 1.850.385.6126 ext. 155. All meetings are open to the public. The THA will not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or age. Equal Housing Opportunity.

2022-2023 Leon County Schools Calendar

2023 Remaining:

February
20 | President's Day

March
10 | End of Third Nine Weeks
13-17 | Spring Break (Students and Teachers Out)
20 | Teacher Planning/Inservice Day
21 | Students Return

April
7 | Spring Holiday (Districtwide)

May
22-24 | Exam Days
22 | Virtual School Graduation
23 | Amos. P Godby Graduation
24 | Leon Graduation, Last Day of School
25 | SAIL & Chiles Graduation, Teacher Planning
27 | Lincoln and James S. Rickards Graduation
29 | Memorial Day (Districtwide)

June
5 | Four-Day Workweek Begins
TBD | Summer Reading Academy and ESE Summer
Services Training
TBD | Summer Reading Academy and ESE Summer
Services Planning
TBD | First Day of SRA and ESE Summer Services
TBD | SRA and ESE Summer Services
19 | Juneteenth Holiday (Districtwide)

July
TBD | SRA and ESE Holiday Break 4 Fourth of July Holiday (Districtwide)
TBD | SRA and ESE Summer Services Resume
TBD | SRA and ESE Summer Services
27 | Last Day of Four-Day Workweek

FAMU Hosted Award-winning Journalist Soledad O'Brien

Florida A&M University's Black History Month celebration included an evening with award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien. The highly acclaimed journalist - who is also an author, entrepreneur, reporter and executive producer known for the 2022 documentary film "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks" - joined FAMU President Larry Robinson for a Black History Month Conversation event. Topics discussed included clips from the film about Parks and her activism. Read the full article here.

Tallahassee Community College Announced 23rd Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar Honorees

Tallahassee community College has been using the Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar since 2001 to honor African Americans that have committed to making a difference in the local community. The 2023 theme is "Freedom, Justice, Equality," which features community leaders who work to preserve and promote each principle through civic and community engagement in Leon, Jefferson, Gadsden and Wakulla counties.

Here are the 2023 calendar honorees:

Cherry Hall Alexander (Founder)

Althemese Pemberton Barnes (President's Award)

Pastor Lucius K. Wade, Sr. (February)

Lashawn Gordon (March)

Keshia M. Jenkins (April)

Dr. Inika P. Williams (May)

Pastor Deshone D. Hedrington (June)

Dr. Andrea Oliver (July)

Dr. Bruce W. Strouble (August)

Charles E. "Chuck" Hobbs, II (September)

Dr. Bryan K. Hooper, Jr. (October)

Opal McKinney-Williams (November)

Mary Bush Smith (December)

Sharon Ofuani (January 2024)

Frank Brown (student honoree)

Katreva Yvette Cox (student honoree)

The calendars are free and are available at TCC's Hinson Administration Building. The almanacs can also be picked up in bulk by contacting the African American History Calendar Committee.

Godby Alumna Wins Grammy and Helps Beyoncé Make History

From the Amos P. Godby High School basketball court to the Grammy stage, Denisia "Blue June" Andrews and her creative partner, Brittany "Chi" Coney, make up NOVA WAV, the first Black female songwriting/production team in the music industry. NOVA WAV is a five-time Grammy nominated duo, and won Best R&B Category at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards for co-writing and co-producing Beyonce's "Cuff It." In addition to Beyoncé, Nova Wav has written and produced songs for Jay-Z, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Kirk Franklin and Kelly Clarkson, among others. Read more about "Blue June" here.

Resident Highlights & Community News

Springfield Apartments
The Citizen Advisory Council Town Hall Meeting, sponsored by the Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Citizen Advisory Council and the Tallahassee Urban League, was held at the Springfield Community Center January 21st.

Valentine Treats for our Senior Citizens
There's always someone thinking of you-We hope you enjoyed your Valentine's Day treat!

Upcoming Events

Budget and Credit Workshop
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provided free financial materials and we are working to create a workshop agenda that includes a keynote speaker and additional financial resources. Date TBD

Back-To-School Workshop
FAMU's TRIO Program and/or TCC Workforce Development will provide outreach and resources to aid first generation, disabled, and lower-income students with completing their college education. Date TBD

Homeownership Event
Are you interested in homeownership? We are delighted to invite you to a homeownership event hosted by the Family Self-Sufficiency Program and Tallahassee Lending Consortium. This event is designed to provide you with valuable information about the FSS Program and how it can help you achieve your dream of owning a home. Resources and services provided by Tallahassee Lending Consortium. To pre-register for this event, please contact Victor Jean at 850.385.6126 ext 305 with your name and phone number.

Friendly Reminder for Pinewood Place Residents
All residents should use a parking space to avoid accidents and to ensure that emergency vehicles can access residents experiencing a life-threatening emergency. Please note: Vehicles in violation of this policy will be towed at the owner's expense. All residents and guests should maintain the speed limit. Please do not bypass speed bumps while driving in and out of the complex.

Employee Spotlight

Derrick Beckton
Thank you Derrick Beckton, our repair technician, for building a much-appreciated handicap ramp for our resident. In-house talent is rare to find - Job Well Done!