Orange Avenue RedevelopmentTHA Monthly Newsletter August 2023
August 2023
Highlights:
- Orange Ave. Voucher Program
- Back to School Resources
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
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.
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 two (2) 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 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.
Project Based Voucher Program for Orange Ave. Apartments
Tallahassee Housing Authority will begin accepting pre-applications for the Project Based Voucher Program for Orange Ave. Apartments from September 1, 2023, at 12:00 am through September 30, 2023, at 11:59 pm.
Orange Ave. Apartments are located at 2712 Country Club Dr., Tallahassee, FL. 32301. It is a mixed-income community and is accepting pre-applications for low and very low-income families. The wait list is open for one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments.
Persons interested in applying for the Project Based Voucher Program must complete an on-line pre-application during the open waitlist period. The online pre-application is available at www.tallha.org under "Programs". Printed pre-applications will not be available.
The pre-application contains questions designed to obtain information about the names, social security numbers, birth dates of members of the household, household total income, and basic contact information such as mailing address, phone number, and email address (if you have one). Each household may apply only once. Duplicate or incomplete pre-applications will not be accepted. Pre-applications can be completed anywhere internet access is available.
Pre-applications may be submitted at any time that the wait list is open. Applicants will receive a confirmation number after successfully submitting their application. Important note: You should write down the confirmation number, print the confirmation screen, or take a picture of the screen with your cell phone. This confirmation number may be used to track your pre-application and check on your status after the waitlist has closed.
Right to Return Workshop for Former Residents
Thursday, August 24th and Friday, August 25th
Thursday, September 28th and Friday, September 29th
at the Fregly Community Center. 2940 Grady Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32312
Former residents are asked to attend to learn about their right-to-return to the Orange Avenue site once construction is completed.
Demolition & Revitalization
Funding Update
With support from the City, County and the Community Redevelopment Agency, we were able to secure additional financial commitments to close a $3 million funding gap for Phase III of the redevelopment. Florida Housing has set an aggressive timeline that we hope will get us within funding range. We submitted an application for State Apartment Incentive Loan financing with 4% tax credits on August 3rd. We will also apply on Sept. 12, 2023 for 9% tax credits.
Construction Update
Phase III will be a 100-unit senior (62+) facility located on the southeast corner of Orange and Country Club on what is now Sebring Court. Four adjacent acres were purchased to provide more useable land for the development; avoiding the floodway.
The solicitation for Phase III abatement and demolition was delayed so that inspection of the vacant units for asbestos containing materials could be completed. As you know , the previous demolition solicitation underestimated the amount of ACMs in the buildings, because the units were occupied and the solicitation was based on an estimate. The abatement/demolition solicitation included a more accurate determination of the ACMs. The solicitation demolished the units down to the slab (Sebring Dr.) and were issued in July. We plan to have the solicitation completed and awarded early August with abatement demolition to begin by September.
Much of the exterior construction work for Phase I has been completed. Most of the windows have been installed, the buildings have been wrapped with Tyve, most of the siding and brick masonry is completed except on building 5. Roofing installation is completed on buildings 1-4 and the trusses have been set on building 5. The retaining wall around the retention pond is underway. The City has installed all utilities for Phase I and II. Site water service installation
is 80% complete. Interior framing is underway.
The pads for Phase II buildings 1 and 2 have been poured. The foundation framing for buildings 3-6 are complete and ready for concrete. Vertical construction should begin by the end of the month for phase II.
Boys and 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. The program operates Monday thru Friday from 3:00PM to 6:30PM after school. During the summer, the hours extend from 8:00AM thru 5:30PM.
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 more information, click here to Email Kacy Dennis or call 850.656.8100.
Click here for BGCBB Club MembershipSpringfield Updates
Summer 2023 has gotten off to a great start! Youth are focusing on literacy, math, and social skills. Teens at Springfield had the opportunity to go to Orlando for the DJJ Youth summit. Teens also received a special invitation to the APB Shoe store for the FAMU x LeBron sneaker release and all received an exclusive pair of sneakers. In June, Springfield celebrated National Boys & Girls Club week. On Career Day, doctors and physicians visited the club and hosted a "career speed date" from HCA. This summer, Springfield's program focused on Career Launch, Positive Action, Smart Moves, Summer Brain Gain, Ultimate Journey, and UPS Road Code. Springfield also launched their Junior Leader program with club member Micheria being promoted to a Junior Leader. Micheria joined the Junior Leader program to gain work experience and possibly gain employment when school starts in the fall. Micheria is a great asset to the club as she assists the YDPs with anything they need. As a Junior Leader, Micheria has learned how to dress for success during an interview and how to apply for jobs. Recently, Micheria went on her first interview and hopefully will hear back soon. Here at Springfield, we want to continue the Junior Leader program to help members like Micheria gain job experience for their future.Pinewood Place Updates
Summer programming at Pinewood has been amazing. The youth are super excited for what's to come. This summer, Pinewood has focused on literacy, math and social skills with the following programs: Healthy Habits, Career Launch, Youth Arts, Ultimate Journey, DIY STEM, and Positive Action. Youth celebrated National Boys & Girls Club week and participated in a field day geared towards healthy lifestyles. Members of the dance team had the opportunity to perform at the DJJ conference in Orlando at the DJJ Summit. Youth from Pinewood attended the annual Steak and Burger Dinner, performed with Tallahassee Nights Live and accompanied a distinguished guest at the event. The teen program at Pinewood is going extremely well. Participants engage, discuss their mental health, and are learning how to reinforce a positive state of mind.Weekly Activities
- Second Harvest delivery 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 of every month from 2:00PM - 3:30PM.
Resident News & Events
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
July 24 - August 6
Consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. The sales tax holiday began July 24 and extends through August 6. CLICK HERE for a list of qualifying items.Trendsetters Back To School Youth Explosion
August 4 | 7 PM
Join Restoration and Praise Christian Fellowship Center and New Harvest Christian Center for the Trendsetters Back To School Youth Explosion on August 4 at 7 p.m. at 1098 Paul Russell Road.
The service will feature a performance and message from award-winning artist & guest speaker Same Ol' G. At the service, there will be free food, a back-to-school supply giveaway, and much more! Get hyped to go back to school with Jesus at the Trendsetters Youth Explosion!
Back to School Giveaway
We are giving away free school supplies at the locations below:
August 4th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Springfield Community Center
1702 Joe Louis St.
Tallahassee, FL 32304August 8th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pinewood Community Center
2940-1 Grady Road
Tallahassee, FL 32312
Only for public housing and HCV participants.Thank You! to our Sponsors
- Mad Dog Construction
- Moore Bass Consulting
- WCR Health
- Elmington
- Ice Foundation
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
Tallahassee Farmers Market | Saturdays | 8AM-12PM
Cornerstone Church, 2904 Kerry Forest Pkwy, Tallahassee, Fl
Tallahassee Cars & Coffee | Saturday August 5th | 8:30-11AM
Winn-Dixie, 1525 W Tharpe St, Tallahassee, FLLocal Events
Summer Serenade | Saturday August 12th | 12-5PM
1312 S Adams St 1312 South Adams Street Tallahassee, FL 32301
$10 and up
AMC Summer Movie Camp for Kids | August 5th-9th
AMC Tallahassee 20 2415 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL
$3-$5 CLICK HERE for times and more info
Tallahassee's Black Business Month Celebration | Monday August 7th | 8-9:30AM
Parkview at Cascades, 414 E. Bloxham St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
$30 and up CLICK HERE for tickets and info
Resident Resources
Backpacks and School Supplies for those in need
The Backpack and School Supplies Ministry collects and packs as many as 500 backpacks and school supplies donated by Good Shepherd parishioners for local low-income K-12 students. The supplies and backpacks are distributed to students through organizations such as:Goodnews Outreach
548 E Bradford Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32301
850.412.0016St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (Quincy)
27 N Shadow St, Quincy, FL 32351
850.627.2350New Hope International Outreach Ministries (Crawfordville)
3426 Crawfordville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32305
850.219.9950Children's Family Home
Boys Town
3555 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
850.575.6422Gretchen Everhart School
2750 Mission Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32304
850.488.5785School Starts August 10th!
CLICK HERE for the LCS 2023-2024 Calendar
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season began Thursday, June 1, and will continue through November 30, 2023, with officials predicting 12 to 17 named tropical storms will develop in the Atlantic this year. Five to nine of those systems could become hurricanes, and as many as four could strengthen into major hurricanes at Category 3 or stronger, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. None of the seasonal outlooks go as far as to predict how many storms could make landfall in the Caribbean or the US, but history has shown that even in years with average or below-average storms, deadly landfalls are still possible. Last year, for instance, was an average season, but Hurricane Ian was a catastrophe for Florida. The storm killed more than 100 people, devastated the coast, and caused flooding that lasted weeks.
CLICK HERE for a free Hurricane Preparedness Plan and Checklist
How to Improve Your Credit Score
- Build Your Credit File
- Don't Miss Payments
- Catch Up On Past-Due Accounts
- Pay Down Revolving Account Balances
- Limit How Often You Apply for New Accounts
Credit Education Resources
What Affects Your Credit Scores?
Learn how different types of accounts and actions can impact your credit scores.
How to Calculate Credit Card Utilization:
Your credit utilization rate can have a big impact on your scores. The math is easy, but there are common misunderstandings about which numbers to use.
Credit Repair:
How to "Fix" Your Credit Yourself: Find out how you can improve your credit for free.
4 Simple Habits That Build Good Credit:
Follow these simple rules for building and maintaining good credit.
What Is a Bad Credit History and Rating?:
If your credit needs some work, learn more about why you may have a bad credit score and what you can do about it.
Which Debts Should I Pay Off First to Improve My Credit?:
Prioritizing certain bills can be important when you're trying to increase your credit scores.
Credit Myths:
Learn the truth, and don't get caught off guard.
Resident Resource Links
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.
Emergency Assistance
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)
Resident Highlights & Community News
Employee of the Month
Recognition Program
THA has a new Revamped Employee of the month recognition program which will now give the winner a day off from work and recognition/presentation at the THA Board of Commissioners meeting!!!
Please see a member of the Nomination Committee to nominate a worthy Employee of the Month.
Committee members are Dana Green, Candice Jefferson, Tawana Thompson, and Marco Moo Young.
WELCOME
New Housing Choice Voucher Specialists
Emily Gilbert
Pat ThompsonFSS Star of the Month
Carmelita Harris
We are thrilled to present Carmelita Harris as our "FSS Star of the Month" for her remarkable dedication and achievements within the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. Carmelita's journey with FSS is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and goal-setting.
When Carmelita joined the FSS program, she genuinely committed to her personal and financial growth. She embraced the opportunity to develop valuable skills and attain self-sufficiency while actively engaging with the program's resources and support.
Through her hard work and determination, Carmelita has been saving money diligently and taking significant strides toward achieving her goals. While exploring career advancement opportunities and homeownership, she has shown a proactive spirit in seeking self-improvement and success.
We are genuinely proud of Carmelita Harris and her strides in the FSS program. Her dedication to saving money and reaching her goals showcases the boundless potential within each participant, and we look forward to witnessing her continued growth and success.
Congratulations, Carmelita, for being our shining "FSS Star of the Month." Your achievements inspire us all, and we celebrate your remarkable journey within the FSS program!