Orange Avenue RedevelopmentTHA Monthly Newsletter May 2025
Highlights
- Westminster Gardens Waitlist Open
- "All in 2 H.E.L.P" Event
Table of Contents
- Director's Note
- THA Operations
- Resident News
- Resident Resources
- Job Opportunities
- Community News
- Addendum Update
Directors Note
Welcome to the THA Monthly Newsletter!
Dear Residents - As we transition into summer, longer days and warmer weather are upon us. It's a season filled with community events, outdoor fun, and a fresh wave of opportunities to connect and grow together. 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. BrendaWilliams@tallha.org - 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 residentsHere'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 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 housing authority provides rental assistance through the housing choice voucher program. We manage over 2700 vouchers for low income households.
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 to find available rentals, services, more about our programs, and information about payments:
Resident News
Westminster Gardens: Wait List Now Open!
The Tallahassee Housing Authority is now accepting online pre-applications for Westminster Gardens' Project Based Voucher (PBV) wait list. This affordable senior living opportunity is open from April 18 through May 18, 2025. We're excited to share that the wait list is officially open!
Located at 301 East Carolina Street, Westminster Gardens offers studio and one-bedroom apartments for very low-income seniors aged 62 and older. As a subsidized retirement community, it provides a safe, welcoming, and affordable living space in the heart of Tallahassee.
Interested residents must complete a pre-application online during the open period. Please note that printed applications are not available, and only one application per household will be accepted.
Once your application is submitted, you'll receive a confirmation number-be sure to save it by writing it down, printing the screen, or snapping a photo on your phone. This number will help you track your status once the wait list closes.
Selections will be made based on a first come, lottery-based system, so don't wait-apply today and take a step toward comfortable, affordable retirement living in a vibrant community.
Check your waitlist status by calling 850.210.1486.
Holiday Office Closures
Please note that Tallahassee Housing Authority offices will be closed in observance of the following upcoming
holidays:
- Memorial Day - Monday, May 26, 2025
- Juneteenth - Thursday, June 19, 2025
We encourage all residents to plan accordingly. As always, we honor these days with respect-Memorial Day as a time to remember and thank those who served, and Juneteenth as a powerful celebration of freedom and progress in our nation's history.
Local Events
- Movies in the Park: Toy Story ' Wednesday, May 14 ' 8:30 p.m.
- Kleman Plaza, 306 S. Duval St, Tallahassee, FL
- FSU Baseball vs. UNC ' Friday, May 16 7:00 p.m. ' Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m.
- Dick Howser Stadium, 203 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL
- Kids' Free Day at Challenger Learning Center ' Saturday, May 17 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- 200 S. Duval St, Tallahassee, FL
- Emancipation Day at The Grove Museum ' Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- The Grove Museum, 902 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL
- Honoring the Legacy of the Tallahassee Bus Boycott ' Monday, May 26, 2025
- CK Steele Plaza - 425 N. Monroe St.
- Florida Heritage Marker at FAMU - Adams & Palmer Street
Resident Resources
On Saturday, April 19th, the Springfield Apartments came alive with music, laughter, and community connection during the ALL in 2 H.E.L.P. event-an inspiring afternoon centered around healing, empowerment, and support. Hosted by the Tallahassee Housing Authority and brought to life by The Table of Kindness, this family-friendly gathering truly showcased the strength of our community
Residents and neighbors joined us for a day filled with raffle prizes, food giveaways, resource vendors, and family fun. The event was part of a larger mission to H.E.L.P- Heal, Empower, Love, and Prevent. The spirit of unity could be felt throughout the entire afternoon.
We want to give a heartfelt thank you to Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Truth Gatherers Dream Center Church, the Leon County Sheriff's Office, and all of the volunteers, partners, and vendors who helped make this event such a success.
To everyone who came out and participated-thank you! Your presence made a difference, and your energy helped turn a spring afternoon into a moment of joy and connection for all. We look forward to bringing more meaningful events like this to THA communities across Tallahassee.
Greetings, everyone! I'm Sharrell Hinson, and I am thrilled to become a part of the Tallahassee Housing Authority team as your new Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator. I have a strong enthusiasm for empowering individuals as they pursue their goals in employment, educational opportunities, and personal development. With my extensive experience in workforce development and skills training, I am dedicated to supporting families in achieving lasting self-sufficiency.In this position, I plan to foster supportive pathways that will help individuals flourish and realize their full potential. I am eager to collaborate with each of you and to contribute positively to our community as we work together!
Hurricane Season Is Coming - Be Prepared
As part of our commitment to resident safety, the Tallahassee Housing Authority is helping families prepare for hurricane season with simple, proactive steps and important resources.
Here are a few ways you can start planning today:
- Identify a safe room in your home or a nearby neighbor's home.
- Stock up on emergency supplies-food, water, flashlights, and a first aid kit.
- Post emergency numbers by your phone and make sure everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1.
- Make a plan for your pets and check if your home is in a storm surge evacuation zone. For more detailed checklists and preparedness tools, please click here.
You can also explore emergency preparedness classes through the Red Cross.
Helpful Outreach Agencies
If you or someone in your household could benefit from local support services, these trusted agencies are here to help:
- Elder Care Services - 850-921-5554 Support for older adults and their caregivers.
- Leon County Senior Outreach - 850-891-4065 Programs and resources for senior residents.
- ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization) - 850-224-3246 Assistance with housing, food, and essential services.
- CCYS (Capital City Youth Services) - 850-576-6000 Support for youth and families in crisis.
Keep these numbers handy - They're a great starting point for support when you need it.
Weekly Tutoring Available
Every Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM, the FWPC-CDC offers free tutoring for students in grades K-12, as well as select college-level students. Whether your child needs help with homework or preparing for exams, this is a fantastic opportunity to support their academic success.
Free Summer Meals for Children and Teens
THA is excited to offer free summer meals to children and teens (ages 18 and under). It's the perfect way to ensure your kids stay healthy and energized during the summer break.
For more details or any questions, please visit our Resident Resources page.
Family Self-Sufficiency
FSS: The FSS program is a voluntary initiative offered to families in HUD-assisted housing. Participants receive coaching, referrals to services, and establish a family escrow savings account. FSS Program Coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources. These resources aim to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and facilitate progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.
Employment Opportunities
Housing Specialist - Housing Choice Voucher Program
$23.07 hourlyDescription: Determine eligibility and manage landlord-tenant relations.
For more information, please contact DanaGreen@tallha.org.Interested in the position above? Click here for more information on the opportunity.
Community News
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
BGCBB and THAThe 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 through Friday from 3:00PM to 6:30PM after school. During the summer, the hours extend from 8:00AM through 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 information, email Kacy Dennis kdennis@bgcbb.org or call 850.656.8100.
For the BGCBB Club Membership, please click here.
Pinewood Updates
April at the Pinewood Club was full of energy, creativity, and connection, with engaging activities that brought members together through fun, learning, and self-expression. Teens celebrated Youth of the Year with a lively Glow Party and Karaoke Night, where 19 participants built confidence and supported each other. Younger members explored their artistic sides with projects like recycled self portraits and the interactive "Mirror Dance," while also enjoying a field trip to the Challenger Learning Center, where the planetarium show was a highlight.
Spring weather brought vibrant outdoor fun, from giant baseball games that encouraged teamwork to colorful chalk art displays. Members of the Royalty Dance Co. also experienced a special African dance workshop led by a guest instructor, gaining cultural insights and performance skills.
It was a month of discovery and joy, and we're proud of our members for embracing every opportunity.
Pinewood Place Member of the Month
D. Wiggin
"I like playing games in the computer lab and learning new things after school."
Success Starts Here
When Z. Lee first joined the Club, he struggled with emotional outbursts and challenging behaviors, driven by deeper unmet needs. With consistent support from staff, structured routines, and positive reinforcement, he gradually learned to manage his emotions and build trust.
By April, Z. Lee had transformed-starting each day with a smile, following routines, and using words to express his feelings. He's become a quiet leader, supporting younger members and recently earning a top reward for showing empathy.
His journey is a powerful reminder of how the right support can help every child thrive.
Springfield Updates
April was a month of growth and purpose at the Club, marked by academic achievement, leadership development, and community involvement. A highlight was the launch of our Power Hour incentive program, which boosted participation and enthusiasm by allowing youth to choose from various academic and enrichment activities during homework time.
Outside the Club, members supported No More Silence: Put a Stop to Gun Violence, a youth-led event promoting advocacy and civic engagement. They also continued their growth through the Youth for Unity program, building skills in empathy, inclusion, and leadership through hands-on activities and discussions.
Overall, April was a transformative month filled with learning, empowerment, and connection.
Springfield Member of the Month
M. Gibson"I love coming to the Club because it's a fun, positive, and welcoming environment where I can truly be myself."
Success Starts Here
K. Knight joined the Club a few months ago and initially struggled with peer interactions, focus, and behavior. While participation was a challenge, staff quickly saw his potential.
By giving him small leadership roles - like leading transitions or helping with supplies - he became more engaged, focused, and confident. With trust and responsibility, he began to thrive, showing that when young people feel valued, they can rise to the occasion.
His growth is a testament to the power of encouragement and meaningful opportunities.
Addendum Update
Mold Addendum Updates
Mold: Mold is a naturally occurring microscopic organism that thrives in damp environments and reproduces by airborne spores. While not all mold is harmful, certain types and levels can lead to allergic reactions and health issues. Mold is often identified by discoloration-ranging from white and green to brown or black-and is commonly accompanied by a musty odor. To reduce the risk of mold growth, controlling moisture and maintaining a clean home environment is essential.
To help prevent mold in your unit, tenants are encouraged to:
- Use air conditioning during warm weather and ventilate properly during dry conditions
- Use exhaust fans and hood vents when bathing, cooking, and cleaning
- Avoid indoor hang-drying of laundry or excessive indoor plants
- Regularly clean and dry surfaces that accumulate moisture
- Open blinds to allow sunlight in and promote air circulation
- Use fans and dehumidifiers if available
- Promptly clean any water spills or condensation
It is also important to report any signs of mold or moisture-related issues to management in writing. This includes visible mold, musty odors, plumbing leaks, or discoloration on walls and ceilings. Keeping your home dry and well-ventilated is the best way to prevent mold and maintain a healthy living space.
These updates are part of THA's continued efforts to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all residents. For more information, please click here.