THA Monthly Newsletter Vol 4. April 2023

Vol. 4 April 2023

Highlights:

Back to School Event

Homeownership Event

Table of Contents

Director's Note

THA Operations

Demolition & Revitalization

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

Resident News & Events

Resident Resources

Resident Highlights & Community News

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.

Brenda Williams Executive Director
850.385.6126

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 supportive 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 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 efficiency so that all our customers have access to information and services.
Explore the various links on our website to find available rentals, services, more about our programs, and information about payments.

Board of Commissioners Update

The Housing Authority is governed by a volunteer seven-person Board of Commissioners appointed by the City of Tallahassee Commission. Through formal adoption of policy, they ensure that the Authority is fiscally responsible and operates in an efficient manner. Two members have reached the term limit and will be moving on from the Board. We celebrate Dr. James Moran who served 8 years on the board and Attorney Walter Kelly who served 10 years as a Board Commissioner. We will certainly miss them and wish them well in their future endeavors.

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.

Orange Avenue Residents, Did You Know?
Returning residents will be provided an opportunity to return to a unit within 90-days of being notified of the anticipated date of completion of each phase, and such units will not be leased to a household other than returning residents during that 90-day window. Residents will have the opportunity to exercise their right to return with priority to a waiting-list within one year of being notified of completion of the last phase of the development to a unit, if available. If you have questions regarding this process, please call Marco Moo Young, Director of Operations at 850.385.6126.

Orange Avenue Redevelopment:
Phase 1 construction is well underway with the foundations poured. Framing is ongoing with the roof-deck in place on Building 2. Building 2 framework is ongoing. Grading has started on Phase 2 and additional site work will begin within the month.

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 Big Bend provides youth development activities, at no cost, to the residents of the Springfield and Pinewood Place communities. The program operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM after school. During the summer, the hours extend from 8:00 AM to 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 "Power hour", during which they complete homework assignments and receive tutoring in any subject that may present them with difficulty. After completing homework, the children 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 more information, click here to Email Kacy Dennis or call 850.656.8100.
Click here for BGCBB Club Membership

Springfield Updates

Springfield has twenty-three renewal memberships and an average daily attendance of twenty youth.

This month at Springfield, we honored N. Sloan as the member of the month. She enjoys coming to the club because it helps her grow. She has grown as a leader of the club, and we look forward to the great things she will accomplish in the future.

In Celebration of Black History Month, members participated in various activities. Youth were treated to the Step Afrika show, sponsored by FSU Opening Nights, and attended the Black Excellence parade and festival in Crawfordville. Teens from Springfield attended the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church youth panel discussion/community organization recognition event. Members had the opportunity to lead and share in an "Urgent" dialogue to communicate their needs and desires in a public forum. City and County officials were in attendance as youth expressed concerns and a call for support as the next generation of developing citizens. The teens in the Keystone/Interact club are planning a peace rally that will take place in April.

Pinewood Place Updates

Pinewood has 41 renewal memberships and an average daily attendance of 33 youth.

This month at Pinewood, we honored the member of the month, L. Cooper. She is a first grader at Sealey Elementary. She enjoys coming to the club to hang out with her friends and get extra help with homework. Her mother thanks the club for the additional support because there has been a major improvement in her academics.

Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, members participated in various activities. Youth were treated to the Step Afrika show, sponsored by FSU Opening Nights, and attended the Black Excellence parade and festival in Crawfordville. Students from FSU's Black Women in Medicine stopped by the Smart Girls Program to encourage young ladies and provide information about careers in medicine.

Weekly Activities

Second Harvest deliveries dates for Pinewood Place:

1st Tuesday

3rd Tuesday

Every Thursday

1st Friday of every month.

Second Harvest delivery dates for Springfield:

2nd Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.
What you do today can improve all your tomorrows, never give up.
Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine.

Resident News & Events

Attention Adult Students!

FSS Back to School Event - April 9th
Join us for a Back-to-School Event with the FAMU Trio Program! This exciting event is perfect for adult learners who are interested in furthering their education! Attendees can look forward to a fun, engaging conversation and informative presentations from a FAMU Trio Representative (Sharron Walker) on topics such as college readiness, financial aid, and academic success strategies. For more information, please click here to Email Victor Jean or call 850.385.6126 x 305.

Job Opportunity

Housing Choice Voucher Specialist
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 inquires. Salary is $17 per hour.
Please click here to submit your resume.

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

Kids Fest - Saturday April 29th at 10:00 AM
Cascades Park, 1001 S Gadsden St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

First Friday at Railroad Square - Friday April 7th at 6:00 PM
Railroad Square, 620 Railroad Square, Tallahassee, FL 32310

TCC Jazz Band Spring 2023 Concert - Wednesday April 19th at 7:30 PM
Turner Auditorium Fine and Performing Arts Center, 444 Appleyard Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32304

Local Events

Harlem Globetrotters - Tuesday April 25th at 7:00 PM
Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W Pensacola St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Click Here to Find Tickets

Tallahassee R&B and Southern Soul Picnic - Sunday April 20th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
1312 South Adams Street Tallahassee, FL 32301
Click Here to Find Tickets

Easter Egg Hunt Generations Church - Saturday April 8th at 10:00 AM
Generations Church, 3080 W Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32304
Free

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 $87,120.00 HUD FSS Grant to administer the FSS program and pay for the salary of the FSS Coordinator. As of February 17th, 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.

Pest Control Schedule

Pinewood Place
2nd Wednesday

Hidden Pines
2nd Thursday

Scattered Sites
4th Wednesday

Resident Resource Links

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.
For more information please click here

Leon County School Calendar
For more information please click here

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

Domestic Violence Protections (VAWA)
For more information please click here

Free Food Pantries in Tallahassee and Leon County

Good News Outreach, Food Pantry
548 East Bradford Road, 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 Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312
850.894.1400

Church of Christ
Multiple locations
Click Here for Locations
Free food as available for individuals and/or households.

Promise Land Ministries Lighthouse, Inc.
20 Church Road, Crawfordville, FL 32327
850.926.3281

Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc.
309 Office Plaza Drive, 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 West Tennessee Street, 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 West Madison Street, 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.

Obligations of a Resident Under the Public Housing Program

Rent is Due and Payable in advance of the first day of each month and shall be considered delinquent after the fifth business day of the month

Not to sublease or assign the lease of the dwelling unit

Not to commit any fraud in connection with any federal housing assistance program

Not to accommodate boarders or lodgers

To use the dwelling unit solely as a private dwelling with no unauthorized guests living inside the unit and as the only place of residence for tenant/household

To abide by necessary and reasonable regulations of THA for the benefit and well-being of the housing development and residents

To keep the dwelling unit and other such areas as may be assigned to resident for exclusive use in a clean and safe condition

To dispose of all garbage, rubbish, and other waste (including used cooking oil) from the dwelling unit in a sanitary and safe manner

To refrain from (including all household members and guests) littering or leaving trash and debris in common areas

To only use all electrical, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities in a reasonable manner

To refrain from, and advise all guests and children to refrain from, destroying, defacing, damaging, or removing any part of dwelling unit or development. Note: Children should be supervised and instructed not to climb and/or destroy trees and grass

Not to disturb other residents and act in a cooperative manner with neighbors and THA staff

Not to engage in any criminal activity, drug-related or otherwise, that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful accommodations

To refrain from possessing, owning, or bringing on THA property any illegal weapons including BB guns, air-powered rifles, and other offensive weapons

To refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages, or abuse of alcohol that may interfere with the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents

To use reasonable care to keep his/her dwelling unit in such condition as to ensure proper health and sanitation. No smoking in unit and/or THA property

To refrain from, and cause members of resident's household to refrain from keeping, maintaining, harboring, or boarding any pet of any nature except in full compliance with THA's pet policy

To remove from THA property any vehicles not in operating condition or without a valid registration or license plate. Note: no parking on grass or unauthorized areas

Residents shall notify the authority promptly of the known need for repairs to his dwelling unit

To keep all emergency exit windows, clear of any item(s) that may block access during an emergency

Not to store barbeque grills on front porch

Not to remove smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers from THA property

To abide by necessary and reasonable regulations of THA for the benefit and well-being of the housing development and residents Leon County Human Service Resources

Leon County Human Service Resource

Florida License on Wheels (FLOW)
Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) brings Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles services to various sites around the city on various dates. Check the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website for the calendar. Services include changing from out-of-state to a Florida license, renewals, duplicates of lost or stolen license, and state-issued I.D. cards, address/name changes.

Fees are $25 for a state-issued photo I.D. and $48 for Florida driver's license renewal.

Fees are waived for people experiencing homelessness who have a letter from the shelter where they are staying.

Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Click here to visit the website.
850.617.2000

Driver's License Status
Click here to find out your outstanding tickets and costs owed.
Click here to find out the cost of obtaining records or other license-related fees.

Social Security Card
Apply for a free replacement Social Security card online at www.ssa.gov, or in person by bringing a state issued I.D. card (not prison I.D.) to the local Social Security office Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Applications can be found on-line or completed in person at the Social Security office. Once you submit your application, you will receive a letter stating that you have applied for a replacement Social Security card, and it will take 2 weeks to receive your replacement Social Security card.

Social Security
2002 Old St. Augustine Rd., Suite B-12, Tallahassee, FL 32301
1.866.248.2088 or 1.800.772.1213

Education
Adult & Community Education, Leon County Schools
Provides classroom programs for persons 16 and older: Adult Basic Education, GED classes and testing, High School Credit, academic programs for disabled adults, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Some courses are offered online. Tuition is $30 per semester, but students should ask about fee waivers and vouchers for eligible individuals.
Front desk hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Please click here to visit the website.
Please click here to Email Leon Schools
526 Appleyard Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32304
850.717.2020

Resident Highlights & Community News

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
April 19th at Fregly Community Center from 5:30 PM to 7 PM
Tallahassee Housing Authority is delighted to invite you to a homeownership event, where we will provide you with valuable information about the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, resources and services provided by local homeownership organizations, and how they can help you achieve your dream of owning a home! Please click here to Email Victor Jean or call 850.385.6126 Ext 305 with any questions.

Neighborhood Updates

Laundry
Springfield apartment's laundry room has reopened and is fully functional.
The daily hours of operation are 8 am - 5 pm

Security
Tallahassee police department installed a camera at the intersection of joe louis and Indiana Street to increase the safety of the community.

News & information
Click here for the 2023 FSU football schedule.
Click here for the 2023 FAMU football schedule.
Click here for energy saving tips from the city.

Summer Camp Information
Fun 4 tally kids have compiled a complete directory of all the camps in the Tallahassee area.
Click here to view.

TikTok banned in Florida?
No, but DeSantis seeks block on government devices, school networks

The clock may be ticking for some Florida users of the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok. Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing to ban access to the platform on any government-issued devices and the networks serving them, including schools, colleges, and universities. On Monday, Feb. 27th, the White House announced that federal agencies have 30 days to remove TikTok from all government devices. While TikTok is not currently banned in the Sunshine State, DeSantis is pushing lawmakers to approve a "digital bill of rights" that would ban its use on government-issued devices and block access to the platform on internet services provided by public schools, universities, and government offices. TikTok is partially or fully banned in five countries and the European Union, with Afghanistan, India and Taiwan having enacted complete bans. Additionally, Pakistan has temporarily banned the platform four times since 2020 over immoral content concerns, according to the Associated Press. The following countries have implemented full or partial TikTok bans, according to the Associated Press:

Afghanistan | Permanent total ban implemented in 2022

Canada | Banned on all government-issued mobile devices

European Union | Banned on European Parliament, European Commission and EU Council staff devices

India | Permanent total ban implemented in January 2021

Taiwan | Public sector ban implemented in December 2022

United States | Deadline set to remove from TikTok from all federal government devices

Leon and Wakulla County Best Restaurant Inspections
These restaurants met all standards during their Feb. 27th - March 5th inspections and no violations were found:

Burger King, 1060 W Tennessee St.

Five Star Pizza, 1505 Governors Square Blvd

La Casa Inn & Suites, 2801 N Monroe St.

Lugos Burrito LLC, mobile food dispensing vehicle

Miranda's, 5323 W Tennessee St.

Mission BBQ Tallahassee, 216 South Magnolia Drive

Ology Brewing, 2910 Kerry Forest Parkway

Signature Lounge, 242 E Orange Ave, Tallahassee

Taco Mora, mobile food dispensing vehicle

Taco Republik, 1122 Thomasville Rd.

The Egg Cafe & Eatery, 300 S Duval St.

Wakulla Springs, 550 Wakulla Springs

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.

THA News & Highlights

Employee Spotlight

Tiffany Hunter Tiffany is an integral part of the HCV team; she is the first voice and face you see when calling or entering the THA office. Tiffany's kind helpful demeanor has made her a favorite of many customers. Her infectious smile, personality and knowledge of the THA process put many customers at ease. Tiffany's customer service is superb, and really underlines just how valuable she is to Tallahassee Housing Authority. THA is proud of everything that she has accomplished and thanks her for all the hard work she has done.

Fact or Fiction

April Fool's Day!
Some historians believe that April Fools' Day started in 1582. During this year, France switched to a different calendar. This meant that the start of their year used to be around 1st April, however it changed to 1st January, like it is today. Some people accidentally celebrated new year in April and were called "April fools."