Orange Avenue RedevelopmentTHA Monthly Newsletter Vol 1. May 2022
May 2022
Highlights
- Demolition & Revitalization
- Resident Spotlight
- Resident Resources
Table of Contents
- Director's Note
- THA Operations
- Demolition & Revitalization
- Resident Spotlight
- Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
- Resident News & Events
- Resident Resources
- Employee Spotlight
- Self-Sufficiency Program
Director's Corner
Welcome to the Tallahassee Housing Authority's (THA) first online newsletter!
Let me begin by sharing my excitement as we embark upon creating a digital venue to keep you aware of news, events and activities. Currently, THA is full speed ahead on the Orange Avenue Redevelopment Project. Stay tuned for the latest updates in future newsletters. We would like the newsletter to be interactive. Any resident that would like to share news or accomplishments, please provide them to your site Manager. We would love to hear from you!
Again, welcome to Tallahassee Housing Authority's online newsletter, where you are always in the know!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 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 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 landscape of Orange Avenue is set to change with a redevelopment project that will bring a mix of affordable and market-rate housing. Atlanta-based developer Columbia Residential will build 390 public housing units. The developer will also incorporate 190 market and subsidized-rate units that historically have not been available on the southside.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.
The first phase of revitalized Orange Avenue Apartments is set to be completed by the end of 2023. The timeline for the entire four-phased project ranges from seven to 10 years from the onset of Phase 1 to the final ribbon cutting for Phase 4. The long-awaited change remains at the core of the capital city's efforts and will add to robust improvements for the southside community.
Plans also call for a playground, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a leasing center and a coin-operated laundry area, although all new units will have washer and dryer hookups.
Resident Spotlight
About Ms. Moore
Ms. Suwander Moore has been a resident at the Springfield Apartment community for the past five years. She has an extensive work history which includes residential cleaning as well as retail. Up until the beginning of the pandemic, Ms. Moore worked at Wal-Mart.
Ms. Moore has three boys, Zabron, David and Naphtali, ranging in age from sixteen to eleven. All three boys play football. Zabron, her oldest, plays football and basketball.
Ms. Moore spends most of her time with her boys playing board games, exploring local parks, or taking them to football practice. When Ms. Moore isn't involved with family activities, she is always available to assist with the on-site food distribution. Ms. Moore has many goals which she would like to achieve. "I'd like to find a great job, move into my own home and eventually become more independent", she says.Ms. Moore & THA
Ms. Moore stated, "I'm so appreciative of the Tallahassee Housing Authority for allowing me the opportunity to live here." I'm also grateful to Mr. Sylvester Taylor for helping me with my application to the OURFlorida.org program".Ms. Moore is many things: A Springfield resident, an asset to the food distribution program, a person with goals and above all, a great mom.
About Mr. Johnson
Mr. Johnson is a long-time resident of the Pinewood Place Community. When Mr. Johnson found himself in need of assistance, he was able to receive that assistance from many of the social service agencies in Tallahassee. Elder Care Services, Community Action, as well as OurFlorida.org, have provided Mr. Johnson with the necessary help he needed to pay his utility bill as well as supplement his rental payments.Mr. Johnson & THA
"I needed help to complete these applications for assistance ", says Mr. Johnson. "I don't have a computer, nor do I have email." Mr. Johnson continued to say, "Mike Torres, a THA staff member, was of great help in accessing these agencies."Mr. Johnson is grateful to all of the social service agencies that have provided him with help when he was in need. In addition, he's grateful to the THA staff who have helped him submit these applications for assistance. If any residents are in need of referrals to these agencies, please call Mike Torres, MSW at 850-385-6126, Ext., 341 for more information.
Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend
BGCBB and THA
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend (BGCBB), Inc. is a non-profit organization serving the needs of hundreds of children and teenagers in Leon and Gadsden counties after-school and all day during the summer. The summer program is held from June 6 - July 29. The BGCBB provides academic support, extracurricular enrichment, and adult role models to assist youth in becoming healthy, productive citizens.
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. Membership benefits include the after-school program from 3-6:30 pm. The summer program is from 7:30 am- 5:30 pm and provides breakfast, lunch and an after- school snack.
The Clubs' youth development programs help build self-confidence through discovering and developing unique gifts and talents. Programs focus on five core program areas: career and academics, healthy living, character and leadership, sports fitness and recreation, and the Arts.
The BGCBB stresses the importance of education and responsibility. The three priority outcomes for Club members are Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.Members with perfect attendance in school are rewarded with a trip to Disney World. Because of this and the BGCBB's Power Hour Homework Help, members show an increase in Academic Achievement.
For information, email here or call 850-656-8100.
BGCBB Club Membership - Click Here
BGCBB Member Highlight
Congratulations to Dominic Henry, member at BGCBB Pinewood Place, for being awarded Junior Youth of the Year. This high honor is bestowed on outstanding members who enter the competition, submit an essay, write a speech and successfully present it to the awarding panel. Mr. Henry, you are a remarkable club member, and have a great future ahead of you!
Resident News & Events
Attention Parents!
Scholarships available for Preschool and Kindergarten Children
Faith Presbyterian Church is now taking applications for scholarships for preschool and kindergarten classes. Care will be provided from 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Preschool/Kindergarten will be held from 8:45 PM - 12:15 PM. Assistance with meals is available. For more information, please call 850-385-0725.
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. Assistance with utility bills may also be provided. Please contact Elder Care Services at 850-921-5554.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Food Distribution & Emergency Supply Bucket Giveaway
Second Harvest, a nonprofit food bank, and ISF, Inc., a management consulting and technology firm, will host a Big Bend community giveaway May 21st at New Covenant Holy Temple located at 4420 Shelfer Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32305. The event will provide healthy food and other needed items. With hurricane season approaching, the event will also provide participants access to disaster preparedness kits. All are welcome to attend.
Free Arts Events
Spring Pottery Market | Saturday May 7th | 9AM-3PM
Outdoors at 1816 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308Living History Day in the Park | Saturday May 7th | 10AM-3PM
Speed Spencer Stephens Park, 1907 Saxon St., Tallahassee, FL 32310
This is a family friendly event. Attendees can see living history exhibits to experience life through the eyes of soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. Visit with skilled re-enactors in period dress, chat with Frederick Douglas, learn about the telegraph and more. Games and activities for kids.Pre-K Art Sparks | Saturday May 14 | 10AM-12PM
417 E Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
This May, LeMoyne Arts will be holding Pre-K Art Sparks: Art Exploration for our community's toddling artists! Join us for this free program as we create Lavender Flower Fingerprint Paintings!A Dream in Color Art Exhibit | May 4&11 | 11AM-3PM | May 7& 14 | 2PM-5PM
Anderson Brickler Art Gallery, 1747 S Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Anderson Brickler Gallery is excited to showcase the artworks of Candace Allen in our Winter 2022 Exhibit, CandiiKismet: A Dream in Color. Ms. Allen is the first woman artist to have a solo show with us, and the youngest. A native of Quincy and a graduate of FAMU, Ms. Allen's talents are displayed through a variety of media: portraits, medical illustrations and mobile art.
Resident Resources
Maintenance
Employees will be glad to assist you with any mechanical or equipment failures that occur. Please call 850-562-7990 to report all work orders.
Work order charges may be applied in certain cases. Emergency maintenance work orders are only for repair needs WHICH threaten the life, health, or safety of a resident or could cause extreme damage to the property.
Emergency Maintenance: After-hours phone number for emergencies call 850-562-7990.
Emergency Work is broken gas, water, and electrical lines. If you smell gas in your apartment, open the doors and windows, check to see if all burners are shut off and leave your apartment. Go to a neighbor's and call for help.
For water leaks or breaks, cut off the water and begin to dry the floor to prevent water damage to walls and floors. For electrical lines down, do not go near the loose wires and keep children away. For no power in the apartment, make sure the power is not out in the entire project area before you take action.
DURING NON-BUSINESS HOURS
Maintenance staff is allowed to respond to true emergencies only.
Resource Links
- To place Maintenance Request click here
- Transit Routes & Stops click here
- Scholarship Info click here
- Domestic Violence Protections (VAWA) click here
- Test Prep Tutoring (FSA, ACT & SAT) click here
- Free Food Resources click here
THA uses OUR Florida
Helping Floridians Get Back on Their Feet
Florida's federally-funded emergency rental assistance relief program to support residents and businesses as they continue to recover and rebuild
OUR Florida is currently accepting applications for rental and utility assistance and will process applications in the order in which they were received.
It is important to submit a complete application with all required documentation to receive assistance quickly and accurately.
Employee Spotlight
We extend a hearty welcome to Ms. Angela McKinnon!
Angela is the new apartment manager overseeing the Pinewood Place Apartments and scattered sites. Ms. Mckinnon comes to Pinewood from Orange Avenue Apartments where she served as assistant manager. Angela tells us that she has been with the housing authority for twenty-five years, and in that time, she has worked every facet of public housing. She is married with four grown children and has ten grandchildren. Angela tells us that her greatest accomplishment was "purchasing her own home."
As a former resident of public housing, Angela brings a unique set of credentials to her position. Her experience as a former public housing resident affords her unique insight into the lives and struggles faced by her residents. Angela says, "I love to help people and I will find resources for them." Angela also says," I am a fair and compassionate professional who is guided by THA policies and procedures." She looks forward to serving the residents of Pinewood Place, the scattered sites and Hidden Pines.
Self-Sufficiency Program
What Is "FSS"?
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) 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.
The Tallahassee Housing Authority's (THA) FSS program is designed to address the many issues and barriers that keep a family from becoming self-sufficient. The FSS Program works with the participant and identifies resources to address and monitor the needs of the entire family. The FSS staff provides an array of services in conjunction with our network of Community Partners. Our more featured services include:
- Guidance
- Vocational Training
- Transportation
- Education
- Homeownership
- Physical and Mental Wellness
How do I become a participant in the FSS Program?
The first step is to attend an FSS Program Orientation. Orientation is only held a few times each year, so it is important for you to attend one as soon as possible.
In order to be considered for admission to the FSS Program, interested individuals should call 850-385-6126, Ext., 341 to schedule an interview.
Once you sign the FSS Contract of Participation, you will begin the journey to economic independence.
For more information, call Michael Torres at 850-385-6126.