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THA Monthly Newsletter Vol 3. July 2022

July 2022

Orange Avenue Redevelopment Newsletter. Tallahassee Housing Authority. Providing homes, building families, enhancing the future. 850-385-6126. TallHA . org. Accessibility Icons.

Highlights

  • BGCBB Highlights
  • Single Mothers Groups

Table of Contents

  • Director's Note
  • THA Operations
  • Demolition & Revitalization
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
  • Resident News & Events
  • Resident Resources
  • THA Recently, New National Lifeline Number

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

Brenda Williams ED Headshot

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 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.

A man holding a baby on his shoulders with a woman standing behind the baby

Demolition & Revitalization

THA is redeveloping the Orange Avenue Apartments!

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.

All the buildings in Phase 1 have been demolished, including the community center. All of the units in Phase 2 are being abated. Once the abatement is complete, they will also be demolished. Phase 3 is vacant, and the units have been fenced in to secure the property.

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.

A tractor moving dirt Street View of the Orange Avenue Demolition rubble Orange Ave Redevelopment Mock Up Demolishing the Community Center Phase 1 Demolition - A building being demolished

 

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 the Big Bend provides youth development activities, at no cost, to the residents of the Springfield and Pinewood Place communities. Our program operates Monday thru Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM after school. During the summer, our 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. Afterward, 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, our boys and girls participate in one of our character and citizenship-building activities. These programs teach our young people how to make positive decisions and develop good character traits. Prior to ending the day, our 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 our youth are encouraged to evolve into responsible, caring, and productive citizens. For information, email here or call 850-656-8100.

Terrence Fregley Community Center Accomplishments

  • Under the direction of Ms. Daijah, the Terrence Fregley Community Center at Pinewood Place currently has a total of 102 registered members and is averaging 38.4 attending members.
  • This month's Member of the Month is Harmonii C, a 2nd-grade student at Sealey Elementary. Although she is one of the youngest members, Harmonii loves to help out around the club and motivates her peers to do the right thing. Report Cards came out this month, and to recognize the students who made the A/B honor roll, they received a certificate of achievement along with a goodie bag.
  • Student-athletes with Rising Spear made a visit to Pinewood this month as they conducted a science experiment with the youth. The club members had a blast with the organization as they built ships with aluminum and tested which ship could hold the most coins.
  • Club member Jeniya H. received a full scholarship to attend Tallahassee Community College in the fall. Her scholarship includes tuition, books, housing, and a laptop.
  • Summer camp registration has begun, and Pinewood is preparing for a super fun camp!

Springfield Community Center Accomplishments

  • Under the direction of Ms. Dennis, Springfield Community Center currently has 90 registered members and is averaging 41.4 daily attendees.
  • This month's Member of the Month is Amonte A., a 6th-grade student at Anchor Academy. Amonte has made great progress while in the program. As a new member, he had a hard time listening and following directions. Now, his behavior is much improved, and he was recognized in front of his peers. He was also able to get a free snack from the Munchy Mars Café.
  • Student-athletes with Rising Spear made a visit to the club this month and played kickball with the members.
  • Springfield had the great honor of recognizing and celebrating eight seniors at the Great Futures Gala. All eight seniors received scholarships to further their educations. Club member Christopher Smith received the Top Senior Award and was also recognized for being an outstanding member.
  • Springfield is now getting ready for summer camps.

Weekly Activities

  • Second Harvest Commodities food deliveries
  • Second Harvest of the Big Bend food giveaway

Click here for a BGCBB Club Membership

Children playing spike ball in a gym

Resident News & Events

A mom and dad helping a young girl ride a bike down the street

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.

BGCBB Summer Camp
Now - July 29th | 2940 Grady Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32312
Field Trips, Water Activities, Basketball, and more!
Click HERE to register now! Contact Ms. Gibson at 850.322.7853 if you have any questions.

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. Also, assistance with utility bills may be provided to those eligible. Please contact Elder Care Services at 850.921.5554.

A mom and dad laughing with a young girl while sitting on a couch

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 situations of emergency and distress year-round.

Free Events
The Fuzzy Pineapple Veg Out Food Festival | Saturday, July 16th | 12 PM
The Fuzzy Pineapple (Vegan + Vegetarian Food), 1205 S. Adams St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Banditos with Two Foot Level Sundown Concert | Saturday, July 23 | 7 PM
Capital City Amphitheater at Cascades Park, 351 E Bloxham St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Aprons Fall Cooking School Open House | Saturday, July 30th | 6:30 PM
Village Square, 3521 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309
Must register to attend!

Local Events
Civil Rights: Soul of a Movement | Saturday, July 9 | 7 PM
James S. Rickards Auditorium, 3013 Jim Lee Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Tickets: $10

$3 Activities at Fun Station Family Fun Center | Wednesday, July 13th
Fun Station, 2821 Sharer Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312
(Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Mini Golf)

American Vintage Markets: Tallahassee | Friday, August 26th 
9:00 AM
North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Admission: $8

Resident Resources

Maintenance
At the Tallahassee Housing Authority (THA), all repairs and service requests should be called into the manager's office at your site.

Pinewood Place / Scattered Site 850.385.9539
Springfield Apartments 850.224.0558
After-Hours Emergency Maintenance 850.562.7990

When repairs are needed due to damage by the resident (or household guest), the resident will be charged a set fee to replace/repair THA property. Maintenance labor charges are included in the price listing; any charges not listed will be calculated at the cost of materials plus labor. Any repairs caused by resident abuse that requires outsourcing to a contractor will be charged to the resident at the contractor's rate.

During Non-Business Hours: Maintenance staff is allowed to respond to true emergencies only.

A dad holding a baby up in the air

Attention Single Mothers!

Soul Sister Support Group starting for single mothers and children!
The Tallahassee Housing Authority is partnering with the Oasis Center for Women and Girls by hosting a series of group meetings on Saturdays for single mothers and their children who reside at Springfield and Pinewood Place apartments.

Meetings will be held at the Terence Fregly Community Center from 11:00 A.M. - 12:15 P.M. or the Springfield Community Center from 1:00 P.M. - 2:15 P.M. A free lunch will be provided.

The meeting schedule is planned as the following:
July 16th - STAC Presentation
July 23rd - Financial/Occupational Wellness
July 30th - North FL Legal Services Presentation
August 6th and 13th - Whole Child Leon Presentations

Housekeeping Standards

In an effort to improve the livability and conditions of the apartments owned and managed by THA and to preserve Authority property for future generations, uniform standards for resident housekeeping have been developed for all resident families.

Residents are required to abide by the standards set forth below. Failure to abide by the Housekeeping Standards that result in the creation or maintenance of a threat to health or safety is a violation of the lease terms and can result in eviction.

THA will inspect each unit at least annually to determine compliance with the standards.

Upon completion of an inspection THA will notify the resident in writing if he/she fails to comply with the standards. THA will advise residents of the specific correction(s) required to establish compliance and indicate that training is available. Within a reasonable period of time, THA will schedule a second inspection within 30 days. Failure of a second inspection will constitute a violation of the lease terms. Training will be available at no cost to any resident requesting or needing assistance in complying with the Housekeeping Standards.

Housekeeping Standards are as follows:

General

  • Walls: Clean, free of dirt, grease, holes, cobwebs, and fingerprints.
  • Floors: Should be clean, clear, dry, and free of hazards.
  •  Ceilings: Should be clean and free of cobwebs.
  • Windows: Should be clean and not nailed shut.
    Shades or blinds should be intact
  • Woodwork: Should be clean and free of dust, gouges, or scratches.
  • Doors: Should be clean and free of grease and
    fingerprints. Doorstops should be present. Locks should work.
  • Heating Units: Should be dusted and access
    uncluttered.
  • Trash: Shall be disposed of properly and not left in the unit.
  • The entire unit should be free of rodent or insect infestation.

Bathrooms

  • Toilet and Tank: should be clean and odor free.
  • Tub and Shower: Should be clean and free of excessive mildew and mold. Where applicable, shower curtains should be in place and of adequate length.
  • Lavatory: Should be clean
  • Exhaust Fans: Should be free of dust.
  • The floor should be clean and dry.

Storage Areas

  • Linen closet: Should be neat and clean.
  • Other Closets: Should be neat and clean. No highly flammable materials should be stored in the unit.
  • Other storage areas: should be clean, neat, and free of hazards.
  • A/C Closet: No items should be stored in a closet.

Outside the Apartment
The following standards apply to apartments and scattered site developments; some standards apply only when the area noted is for the exclusive use of Resident:

  • Yards: should be free of debris, trash, and abandoned cars. Exterior walls should be free of graffiti. Only small wading swimming pools are allowed at THA developments.
  • Only lightweight outdoor furniture may be placed in THA yards, on porches, or elsewhere outdoors. No more than five (5) items total will be allowed at the scattered site.
  • Porches (front and rear): should be clean and free of hazards. Any items stored on the porch shall not impede access to the unit.
  • Steps (front and rear): should be clean and free of hazards.
  • Sidewalks: should be clean and free of hazards.
  • Storm Doors: should be clean, with glass or screens intact.
  • Parking lot and drives: should be free of abandoned cars. There should be no major car repairs on THA premises.
  • Parking is permitted only in designated parking areas, never on grass or areas intended for grass, and must display a THA-issued parking permit if applicable.
  • Hallways: should be clean and free of tripping hazards.
  • Stairwells: should be clean and uncluttered.
  • Laundry areas: should be clean and neat. Remove lint from dryers after use.
  • Utility Rooms: should be free of debris, motor vehicle parts, and flammable materials.

A Message from the Springfield Apartment Complex Manager
We welcome the tenants who have relocated from Orange Avenue to Springfield!

  • The Boys and Girls Club offers summer camp for youth at Springfield and Pinewood.
  • Second Harvest of the Big Bend provides food for weekly distribution at Springfield and Pinewood.
  • Soul Sister support group has started for single mothers and their children who reside in Springfield and Pinewood.
  • Griffin Heights Children and Family Resource Center is providing resources for tenants (Miesha Mitchel).
  • Security is being provided for Springfield tenants by the Tallahassee Police Department.
  • THA initiative for removing unregistered and inoperative vehicles on the property has been successful, with over 10+ vehicles already removed.
  • Different Levels of Parent Involvement (DLOPI) assist in getting students enrolled in John Riley Elementary School (Audrey Lewis, Parent Services). Initiatives include:
    • Mini seminars/chats with parents
    • Resource support for mental and physical health
    • Attendance awards for students with perfect attendance during the program
    • Parent surveys
    • Lessons learned by parents and fun activities

SPRINGFIELD INSPECTION/PEST CONTROL NOTICE:
Annual inspections will begin on July 26, 2022, for units 1-16. Pest control comes on the first and third Thursday of every month.

Resident Resource Links

THA Recent News

The Pinewood Property Manager has distributed welcome baskets to tenants that have relocated from Orange Avenue!

Resident Deborah Adams holding a gift. Resident Teresa Boyd and employee Angela McKinnon exchanging a gift Resident Timikia Ivory holding a gift

THA hosted a site visit of Orange Ave. Development project for community leaders.

The tour was organized by Christopher R. Cogle, M.D., University of Florida professor, Director of Florida Health Policy Leadership Academy. Tallahassee Housing Authority Executive Director gave an interactive lecture and pointed out the need for change in Florida county housing policies. The lecture covered the following topics; types of housing support, eligibility for housing support, funding for housing, need for housing and funding, and housing programs' long-term effects on people and community prosperity.

Orange Ave Development Site Visit tour featuring members of THA and community leaders Mr. Marco Moo Young holding a box

NEW NATIONAL SUICIDE NUMBER
For those in crisis and for those who simply need someone to listen, the number to call is 988.

The National Suicide Line has now streamlined access to its services.

Anyone in crisis or in need of someone with whom to talk may simply dial 988. Dialing 988 will connect you to a trained counselor who will listen, provide support and refer you to resources in your area if so desired.

In 2021, there were 42 suicides in Leon County alone. This is the greatest number of suicides in the county since 2012.
NEW LIFELINE NUMBER 988 GOES LIVE JULY 16, 2022