N E W S L E T T E R
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S p r i n g
Southeastern Regional Council of Housing and CD Professionals National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials
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Spring 2016
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor/Photography Paula Robertson, PR Designs Contributing Editors Alabama................... Beverly Barber Florida ............................Lisa Landers ..................................... Lillian Stringer Georgia........................Reta Thomas ........................................ Ella Murphy Kentucky......................Robin Wilden Mississippi.....................Rita McKissick North Carolina.......... Shaunte Evans South Carolina........... Pancea Lewis Virginia..................................Ed Ware
SERC REGION: Alabama Florida Georgia Kentucky Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia
The SERCulator is the official publication of the Southeastern Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. The SERCulator is published quarterly. Comments, suggestions, articles, features and photographs are solicited in interest of the members of Southeastern Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Although all submissions are subject to approval and editing, every effort will be made to publish submissions based on available space. Photos cannot be returned. Send submissions to: Paula Robertson, 662-338-5200, email: prdsgns@gmail.com or Reta Thomas, email: rthomas@augustapha.org
Helping solve the housing puzzle TABLE of CONTENTS: President’s message.......................................... 3 SERC officers....................................................... 4 SERC committees............................................... 5 NAHRO legislative conference...................... 6-7 State news..................................................... 8-16 Spring committee meeting........................ 18-22 Memorial Day History....................................... 23 Restoring a national treasure.......................... 24 Legislative update........................................... 26 HUD update...................................................... 28 SERC cares........................................................ 30 Conference tour.............................................. 31 Poster contest................................................... 32 Conference golf tournament......................... 33 Heroes among us............................................. 35 SERC upcoming events................................... 36
The SERCulator 2
A message from your SERC President Greetings Serc Colleagues: Spring has sprung, and summer will shortly be upon us. Where does the time go? Hopefully, you’re planning some time to get away with your family. It’s so important to have some “down time;” away from our daily routines and the pressures of work, schedules and the mundane things that we have to manage as part of our normal lives (“…did I pay this month’s electric bill…?”). Find time to relax, recharge and re-create yourself. That place we call “home” can be even more welcoming when we’ve been away from it for a while. Dave Baldwin You may recall that one of our four focus areas for 2015SERC-NAHRO President 2017 includes “taking control of the narrative about affordable housing to positively impact policy decisions.” One of the best ways to do that is to speak directly to those who make the policies. In early April members from all 10 States in the SERC Region descended upon Washington, D.C. to attend the 2016 NAHRO Washington Conference. We were there to learn more about legislative advocacy, about the current status of bills before Congress, and how our programs are faring in the proposed federal budget. More importantly, we were there to have face-to-face meetings with our Senators and Representatives, and their staff members, to educate them about our needs and concerns, as well as provide suggestions on ways they can help us to provide better services to the families that we, and they, are paid to serve. Everyone I spoke to after our “Day on the Hill” said that they were well-received by their federal representatives—that they were listened to and had constructive conversations with them. There was an air of “positivity” in our after-discussions that hasn’t been there in recent years past. It certainly helped that HR 3700, the so-called HOTMA Bill, which promises to provide some regulatory relief to all PHAs, was passed by the House by an unheard-of unanimous vote in February 2016. Now, if we can get the Senate to consider and pass a companion bill currently sitting in the Senate banking committee. There is an effort right now to get every PHA to pass a resolution asking our Senators to take action on such a bill. Talk to your legislative committee members if you haven’t heard about it. Our work is not done. No one can tell our stories as well as we, ourselves, can. Visit your representatives during the recess when they are at home; tell them why housing matters, tell them about the people whose lives you impact every day, and those who still need our help. Remember, everyone needs and deserves “a place to call home.” Your voice can make a difference. Dave Baldwin, SERC President
Our work is not done. No one can tell our stories as well as we, ourselves, can. Visit your representatives during the recess when they are at home; tell them why housing matters, tell them about the people whose lives you impact every day, and those who still need our help. Remember: “Everyone needs and deserves a place to call home.” Your voice can make a difference.
AGENDA ~ SERC Annual Conference SUNDAY, JUNE 19TH
TUESDAY, JUNE 21ST
1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. ~ Registration
8:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. ~ REGISTRATION
1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. ~ EXHIBIT VIEWING 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. ~ REFRESHMENTS (EXHIBIT HALL) 3:00 P.M. ~ OPENING SESSION 5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. ~EXHIBIT HALL RECEPTION
7:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. ~ LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST 9:00 A.M. – NOON ~ CONCURRENT SESSIONS NOON ~ LUNCH (ON YOUR OWN) 1:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. ~ CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3:00 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. ~ AFTERNOON BREAKS (EXHIBIT HALL) 5:30 P.M. ~ PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION 7:00 P.M. ~ SHOW AT THE BEAU RIVAGE
MONDAY, JUNE 20TH
7:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M ~ REGISTRATION 8:00-9:00 ~ CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (EXHIBIT HALL) 9:00 A.M. NOON ~ CONCURRENT SESSIONS 10:15 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. ~ MORNING BREAK (EXHIBIT HALL) NOON – 1:30 P.M. ~ LUNCH (EXHIBIT HALL) 1:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. ~ CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3:00 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. ~ AFTERNOON BREAKS (EXHIBIT HALL) 5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. ~ EXHIBITORS’ RECEPTION
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SERC OFFICERS I 2015-2017 President Dave Baldwin Bristol Redevelopment & Housing Authority 809 Edmond Street Bristol, VA 24201-4385 Phone:(276) 821-6255 Fax:(276) 642-2009 dbaldwin@brha.com
David E. Baldwin is the executive director/CEO of the Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority in Bristol, VA. He has been employed in the public and assisted housing industry since 1977, serving at three public housing agencies. Dave has been at Bristol since 2003. He is a past-president of the Virginia Association of Housing and Community Development Officials. He has served as senior vice president, treasurer, and vice president with portfolio, and is the current president of the Southeast Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (SERC-NAHRO).
Senior Vice President Sean Gilbert Knoxville Community Development Corp. 901 N Broadway Street Knoxville, TN 37917 Phone:(865) 403-1209 Fax:(865) 594-0266 sgilbert@kcdc.org
Sean Gilbert is the senior vice president of housing for the Knoxville Community Development Corporation in Knoxville, TN where he has been for the past two years. Sean has his bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Virginia Tech. He was the executive director of Housing Authority of Pikeville, August 1995–February 2014. Sean serves as the senior vice president for SERC.
Secretary Jeanette Henderson Albany Housing Authority PO Box 485 Albany, GA 31702 Phone:(229) 434-4505 Fax:(229) 434-4509 jhenderson@albanyhousingauthority.com
Jeanette Henderson is the deputy director of housing services for the Albany Housing Authority in Albany, GA. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and has 30 years experience in public housing management. Jeanette is a former president of GAHRA, and she currently serves as chairperson of the commissioner’s committee and as a member of the scholarship committee. Jeanette also serves as secretary for SERC and is a member of NAHRO’s housing committee.
Treasurer Mark Taylor Charleston Housing Authority PO Box 86 Charleston, WV 25321 Phone:(304) 348-6451 Fax:(304) 348-6455 mtaylor@charlestonhousing.com
Mark E. Taylor is the CEO of the Charleston-Kenawha Housing Authority. He has over 16 years experience in public housing and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Mark is a district two board member for WVAHA. He is the current treasurer for SERC and is a past vice president for housing and for CR&D. Shaundra Clark of Tifton, GA is the current vice president of housing for SERC. Shaundra serves as executive director at the Tifton, GA housing authority and has over 21 years experience in public housing. She holds a business administration degree as well as a master’s in public policy and administration. Shaundra is chairperson of the convention committee and past president for GAHRA, and has served on numerous SERC committees in the past.
VP of Housing Shaundra Clark Tifton Housing Authority PO Box 12 Tifton, GA 31794 Phone: (229) 382-5434 Fax: (229) 382-1327 thasclark@bellsouth.net
Susan Lillis is the vice president for professional development for SERC, and the executive director of Richmond Section 8 Housing in Kentucky. She has 17 years experience in the housing industry. Susan is a past secretary of KHA and served as exhibitor chairperson on the annual meeting committee. Her past service with SERC includes membership on the administrative practices committee, the budget committee, the education and training committee and the steering committee. Susan attended Linsey Wilson College and Eastern Kentucky University.
VP of Professional Development Susan Lillis City of Richmond Section 8 Housing PO Box 250 Richmond, KY 40476 Phone: (859) 623-4246 Fax: (859) 623-2276 scroberts2@hotmail.com
Anthony Goodson Jr is the chief executive officer of the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro in Goldsboro, NC. He has approximately 12 years service in public housing and serves as the board secretary for CCHRCO. Anthony is vice president of member services for SERC and serves as a member of the 40 under 40 committee and the rental assistance committee.
VP of Member Services Anthony Goodson, Jr. Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro 700 N. Jefferson Ave Goldsboro, NC 27530 Phone: (919) 735-4226 Fax: (919) 731-4402 agoodson@hacg.org
Michael Wong is the executive director of the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He has 15 years service in public housing and is past president of VAHCDO. Michael serves as vice president of CR&D for SERC and as a member of the legislative committee. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from James Madison University.
VP of CR&D Michael Wong
Johnny Johnson of Houston, MS has served as president of Regional Housing Authority IV Board for the past 21 years. He also currently serves as the president of commissioners for the South Eastern Regional Housing Authority. He received “Commissioner of the Year” for the National Association of Housing for the year 2013. Johnny is retired from the military where he was a bronze star recipient, and is a retired educator having taught in both the Mississippi and Alabama public school systems. His other community service includes serving as the grand senior warden for the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge for the State of Mississippi. He is the worshipful master for McIntosh Lodge #80, in Houston, MS. He served on the State of Mississippi Personnel Board as president, Hospital Auxiliary Board, Chamber of Commerce Board, United Way Education Chairman, and the CAFB Community Council.
Harrisonburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority
PO Box 1071 Harrisonburg, VA 22803 Phone: (540) 434-7386 Fax: (540) 432-1113 wongway@harrisonburgrha.com VP of Commissioners Johnny Johnson Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV PO Box 1051 Columbus, MS 39703 Phone: (662) 327-8986 jbj.aphia@yahoo.com
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SERC COMMITTEES I CHAIRS I 2015-2017 Executive Committee Steering Committee
President Sr. VP Secretary Treasurer VP Commissioners VP Professional Development VP CR&D VP Member Services VP Housing
Dave Baldwin Sean Gilbert Jeanette Henderson Mark Taylor Johnny Johnson Susan Lillis Michael Wong Anthony Goodson, Jr. Shaundra Clark
State Representatives AL FL GA KY MS NC TN SC VA WV
Lance Armstrong Miguell Del Campillo Angela Strickland Shauna Boom Judy Mellard Bobbi Warmack 2016 / Burne Jim Payne Donna Lamer Lisa Porter Vickie Lester
Past Presidents Immediate PP Second PP Third PP
Ailrick Young Thomas Rowe Tina Akers-Brown
Small Agency Task Force Youth Leadership Development Executive Committee Coordinator Strategic Plan Coordinator
VA TN GA WV MS KY VA NC GA
Senior Vice President’s Portfolio
Secretary’s Portfolio
History/Archival Committee Resolutions
President’s Portfolio Dave Baldwin
Treasurer’s Portfolio
Shannon Biggs (Chair) Donna Lamer Connie Howard Jake Oglesby Angie Strickland Judy Mellard Angela Childers Antonio Williams Charlie Harrington Tom Wachs
2017—Nashville, TN Conference Chair Program Chairperson Exhibits Chairperson Registration Opening Ceremony Ushers Awards Ceremony Flag Ceremony Golf Tournament Hospitality Emerging Leaders
Cindy Preast (Chair) WV Royal Ann Spencer MS Connie Howard SC Jake Oglesby GA Angie Strickland GA Joyce Floyd TN Angela Childers SC Shaunte Evans NC Charlie Harrington VA Tom Wachs AL Jan Piersol (Chair) SC Sonia Meredith (Chair) WV Mentors: The NAHRO Fellows
Sean Gilbert
Budget Committee Clifton Clark (Chair) WV BC member: Dannie Walker AL BC member: Gail Sansbury FL BC member: All Steering Comm Members Legislative Committee Mike Sweet (Chair) AL Policy Advisory Committee Thomas Rowe (Chair) TN PA member: Tina Akers-Brown NC PA member: Austin Simms KY PA member: Don Cameron SC PA member: Ailrick Young MS Nominating Committee Ailrick Young (Chair) MS NC member: Thomas Rowe SC NC member: Tina Akers-Brown NC NC member: Wanda Stevens-Ruckman VA NC member: Edwina Burnett SC Intern’l Research & Global Exchange Miguell Del Campillo (Chair) FL Site Selection Committee Thomas Rowe, Co-Chair TN Shannon Biggs, Co-Chair KY
MS TN NC
Annual Conference Committee 2016—Biloxi, MS Conference Chair Program Chairperson Exhibits Chairperson Registration Opening Ceremony Ushers Awards Ceremony Flag Ceremony Golf Tournament
Lisa Porter (Chair) VA Tom Wachs, Co-Chair AL Abraham Williams, Co-Chair KY Marilyn Medley TN Joyce Floyd TN
KY SC SC GA GA MS SC AL VA AL
Jeanette Henderson
Antonio Williams (Chair) Dannie Walker (Chair)
Mark Taylor
Becky Holmes
VP Housing’s Portfolio Shaundra Clark Housing Committee Rental Assistance Committee
VP CR&D’s Portfolio C R & D Committee
Ginger Ming (Chair) Sheryl Fortune (Chair)
Michael Wong
Brenda Willis (Chair)
AL AL SC MS NC VA
VP Professional Development’s Portfolio Susan Lillis Professional Development (Fall Workshop) Administrative Practice Education and Training
Buddy Oldfield (Chair) GA Douglas Freeman (Chair) Becky Hartman (Chair)
GA GA
VP Member Services’ Portfolio Anthony Goodson, Jr. Public Affairs/SERCulator Member Services Scholarship Insurance-Housing Benefits Plan Retirement-HART
VP Commissioners’ Portfolio Commissioners
*Denotes chair person
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Reta Thomas (Chair) GA Latonia Simmons (Chair) GA Madelyn Dotson, Co-Chair WV Johnny Black, Co-Chair VA David L. Smotherman GA Don Clemons
Johnny Johnson
John Austin (Chair)
NC
NAHRO LEGISLATIVE l Conference SERC members participated in the NAHRO Legislative Conference April 10-13 in Arlington, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. The conference provided concurrent sessions offering many topics from which attendees could choose. The theme of this year’s conference was “Keeping America’s Promise.” During the conference, members had the opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives on Capitol Hill and discuss concerns and ideas for housing communities in their states. Popular topics for these meetings included the Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2016 (H.R. 4816) and the Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act of 2016 (H.R. 3700). Both of these bills has bi-partisan support, which is terrific news, and both can make a huge impact on the housing industry. Everyone returned energized and excited about the work done on H.R. 4816, the small housing authority companion bill to S. 2292. This bill has bi-partisan support, requires no additional appropriations from Congress, and relieves burdens faced by small housing authorities. On February 2, the House of Representatives unanimously approved the Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act (HR 3700). This noncontroversial bill contains common-sense reforms that will allow us to do our jobs more efficiently, helping to ensure funds appropriated by the Congress better-reach the persons they’re intended to serve. Unfortunately, the Senate has not yet taken action to approve this bill. NAHRO has supported many of the reforms within the bill since its inception. NAHRO President Steve Merritt testified at a hearing on the bill in October 2015, and NAHRO has joined a coalition of housing stakeholders pushing for the passage of the bill. In April NAHRO joined the coalition in sending a letter to Senators urging the quick passage of the legislation. We need your help - please reach out to your Senators today urging them to approve and enact HR 3700.
Pictured L-R: Larry Ellis (Huntington), John Martys (Fairmont), Madelyn Dotson (South Charleston), Sonia Meredith (Mt Hope), Sen. Joe Manchin, Vickie Lester (Huntington), Lu Anne Bush (Clarksburg-Harrison), Mark Taylor (Charleston-Kanawha), Jeff Knight (Charleston-Kanawha), Bill Dotson (Past President WVAHA) and Michael Miller, Bolivar Housing Authority
MAHRO representatives, standing left to right: John Bounds, vice president for commissioner’s, Robert Finch, commissioner, Bob Farrar, board director and consultant for West Point Housing Authority, Kaye Judson, secretary/treasurer, Ailrick Young, board director and executive director of Laurel Housing Authority. Seated: Judy Mellard, president and executive director of Hattiesburg Housing Authority, Congressman Roger Wicker, and Thomas Coleman, board director and executive director of Tennessee Valley Regional Housing Authority.
Above: FAHRO delegation in Congressman Posey’s office: Seated Jerome Ryans, CEO/executive director, Tampa Housing Authority, Corey Mathews, executive director of FAHRO, Commissioner Bruni Alfaro from the Orlando Housing Authority, commissioner from Lauderhill Sarai Martin. Standing is Executive Director William Russell, Sarasota Housing Authority.
Pictured left: Members of TAHRA as well as some residents from MDHA recently attended the NAHRO Legislative Conference in Washington DC. Representing TAHRA left to right were: Winston Henning, Jackson Housing Authority Thomas Rowe, Mrufreesboro Housing Authority Sean Gilbert, KCDC, Susan Minor, Franklin Housing Authority, Darlene Morton, Franklin Housing Authority. Michael Miller, Bolivar Housing Authority.
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NAHRO LEGISLATIVE l Conference Michael Wong wins advocacy award.
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Maurice Jones, addresses the opening plenary session of the 2016 NAHRO Washington Conference on April 11.
NAHRO’s Mary K. Nenno Advocacy Award recognizes outstanding and innovative achievements in the area of legislative advocacy. Awardees are recognized during NAHRO’s annual legislative conference in Washington, D.C. Both SERC and VAHCDO are very proud that our own Michael Wong, executive director of the Harrisonburg (VA) Redevelopment and Housing Authority, won one of two awards given at the 2016 NAHRO Legislative Conference. Michael won the award for his innovative and tireless work on the so-called “Gang of 13,” a multi-state legislative effort that focuses messaging and advocacy on key legislators for their support of legislation that helps NAHRO members NAHRO President Stephen Merritt (right) presents Michael Wong the Mary K. Nenno achieve their goals. Advocacy Award. Way to go, Michael!
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SERC Legislative Committee Chair, Mike Sweet, addresses NARHO members in the Cannon House Office Building while we await the arrival of Congressman Steven Palazzo. NAHRO and PHADA jointly had a special meet-up session with Congressman Palazzo to recognize him for his introduction of H.R.4816 : Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2016. Steven McCarty Palazzo has been the U.S. Representative for Mississippi’s 4th congressional district since 2011.
Participates of the legislative conference welcome Congressman Palazzo.
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AAHRA
Housing Professionals Servicing the State
ALABAMA l NEWS
Opp Housing Authority holds finance seminar Making every dollar count means more than ever nowadays, and Opp Housing Authority is taking steps to inform its residents and Section 8 participants about the personal finance options that are available to them. Melinda Hall, the president of CCB Community Bank in Opp, Alabama, recently lead an informal seminar focusing on understanding the ins and outs of personal finance. At the March 17, 2016 event, Ms. Hall discussed the basics of opening a bank account, establishing and sticking to a budget, and taking control of personal credit. Hall went on to discuss step-by-step strategies to ease the very common financial woes that afflict many public housing residents. The best place to begin, Ms. Hall told the attendees, is to set up a budget. “Save all your receipts, pay stubs and bills for a month. At the end of the month, tally up your costs and your income,” Ms. Hall said. “If your income is less than your expenses, you need to increase your income, decrease your expenses, or both.” Ms. Hall also discussed the importance of starting a bank account and gave a brief description of how to set up the account from making the first deposit to the correct way to fill out a check. Considering the current move away from check writing to using debit or check cards, Ms. Hall emphasized the importance of keeping good records no matter the method of withdrawal. “Save those receipts,” she said to a flurry of nods of agreement. Hall rounded out her talk with a discussion of building
A L A B A M A
and maintaining good credit and keeping an eye out for falling victim to identity theft or fraud. Throughout the seminar, Ms. Hall’s discussion was straightforward and informative according to the attendees. This seminar is part of a partnership with Opp Housing Authority and local businesses in the Opp, Alabama area particularly with CCB Community Bank. “We at Opp Housing Authority are committed to working to improve the lives of the Opp and Covington County public housing community,” said Executive Director Beverly Barber. “The financial seminar is part of our larger efforts to reach out to our community,” Ms. Barber said. “Our participation in the SERC-NAHRO Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Basketball Challenge, our Father’s Day Celebration, resume writing and job interview workshops, and other programs and activities help connect our housing authority with the community we serve.
OPELIKA—SERC-Nahro Martin Luther King Basketball Tournament teams arrived along with the cheering squad. A variety of food was served for all participants. Akinola Popoola, executive director of the Opelika Housing Authority served as the master of Congratulations to Jason Stephens of the Opelika ceremony for this Housing Authority! The winner of the Martin Luther event. Henrietta King Tournament 15 and Under 3 Point Shoot Out. Snipes, chairperson Coach Maurice Johnson and Opelika Housing of the Opelika Hous- Authority’s Executive Director Akinola Popoola ing Authority board shared his victory! of commissioners offered greetings and made introductions. Mayor Gary Fuller of the city of Opelika welcomed everyone. The evening’s featured speakers, Mrs. Mae Washington and Mayor Eddie Lowe of Phoenix City, Alabama, shared inspirational messages. The evening ended with an “Opening Ceremony” for the tournament and the recognition of all teams present. Tommy Agee, assistant director of Opelika Parks and Recreation gave the rallying charge for the 2016 Martin Luther King Basketball Tournament games to begin! The tournament-style elimination games took place on January 17. The teams were divided into three age categories: 12 and under, 15 and under and 18 and under. The championship game for the 18 and under category was held on January 18 at the Opelika Sportsplex. The Opelika Housing Authority teams coached by Maurice Johnson, Willie Payne and Jerome Pollard won two games and the 3 point shoot-out. Although they did not compete in any of the championship games, the OHA Warriors were winners and conducted themselves appropriately.
For over two decades, the Annual Southeastern Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials’ Martin Luther King Basketball Tournament has taken place in a variety of cities and states in the southeastern United States. This annual event provides participants a weekend of cultural experiences, learning, comradery and some great basketball with tremendous athletes. Participating young residents are impacted throughout the year by connecting them with coaches and mentors who provide them with positive role models. As the teams practice for each year’s tournament, they are being coached not only in the sport of basketball, but also in life. Because educational standards must be met in order to compete, these young residents strive to maintain GPAs that will make them eligible to travel each January. For the youth and their chaperons and coaches, this annual weekend event is life changing. In celebrating the life and legacy of Martin L. King, Jr., the tournament also captures the philosophy of service to others. This year the Opelika Housing Authority sponsored the tournament with assistance from the city of Opelika’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Opelika City Schools. It was a great opportunity for the young people, their family members, chaperons and coaches to see what the Opelika-Auburn area has to offer. In addition to playing basketball, the Opelika Housing Authority provided an opportunity for the teams, parents, chaperons and coaches to visit Auburn University where they heard several basketball/track student athletes tell about their lives. The student athletes encouraged the youth to stay in school, obtain a college education and reach their goals. Touring Auburn’s football and basketball complexes was certainly a highlight of this educational event for everyone. Friday evening January 16, all teams were invited to a banquet hosted by the Opelika Housing Authority. The
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CCHRCO
CAROLINA l NEWS
Carolinas Council of Housing Redevelopment & Codes Officials
KINGSTREE— teams win awards
Training offered for residents
CAROLINAS
Teams from the Kingstree Housing Authority participated in the first Lego robotics competition held on Saturday March 5th at the Ashley Hall School in Charleston, SC. Competing teams were the Transformers and the Robotinators. The teams won two trophies, the Effort and Learning trophy and the Winning Against All Odds trophy. There were approximately 15 teams entered, and this was the first competition in which the Kingstree students have participated. The Kingstree Housing Authority teams were the only 100% African American teams participating in the competition. The teams were honored by the Williamsburg County Council on March 22 for their outstanding performance.
Kingstree Housing Authority is providing several outlets by which residents can strengthen their life skills. Among these opportunities are financial workshops aimed at helping residents live debt-free and improve their credit scores, as well as seminars to prepare residents for homeownership. Also offered are GED preparation classes and Work Keys certification assistance. Work Keys is a program designed to prepare residents for entering the workplace. Kingstree also hosts Project Hope which prepares residents for careers in the medical field. Through this project, training is available to help residents become nurses, lab technicians, dental assists, medical records technicians, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists, paramedics/EMTs or cardiovascular technicians.
GOLDSBORO—ROSS Institute for Success helps residents achieve independence
The Institute for Success was created with the self-sufficiency of GHA residents in mind. The Institute for Success is a 25-hour self-sufficiency program that allows residents to focus on how to secure a job in today’s changing job market. Participants will identify personal strengths and how these strengths relate to career success. The institute is a 7-day workshop that includes training for financial literacy, job skills, basic computer skills and much more. After completing the 25 hours, residents will have the opportunity to sit for their career readiness certification, obtain a human resource development certification and receive a FREE TABLET! On February 29th, The Goldsboro Housing Authority’s ROSS program awarded six residents with certificates and tablets. Out of the six ladies who participated in the program, four of them have secured full time employment.
CCHRCO— Kingstree 2016 resident retreat a success!
One-hundred and thirty-two people recently attended Kingstree’s 2016 Resident Retreat at the Embassy Suites in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This year’s theme was Tic Tac Toe, “Getting Your Life In A Row.” Attending residents were provided with a kick start to navigating themselves in the right direction. Guest facilitators brought passion and knowledge of teaching communities to reach their full potential. Presenters included experts from job training programs, customer service, domestic violence, neighborhood crimes, and both lease and insurance legalities. The retreat was made possible through the support of CCHRCO. A special thank you to Bobbi Warmack and CCHRCO for supporting this retreat.
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FLORIDA l NEWS
City of Daytona Housing Authority wins national award
F L O R I D A
The NAHRO Agency Awards Program was created to give national recognition to the achievement and innovation of NAHRO agency/organizational members throughout the country and to provide additional opportunities to inform the public of the best in housing and community development.
Northwood II, a 28-unit property, is located on 1.93 acres in unincorporated Volusia County. The total cost of construction was over $3.5 million; this is the first new affordable housing of this type constructed in Daytona Beach in nearly 30 years, according to a press release provided to the Daytona Times. Groundbreaking for the property was September 5, 2013. The concept for the complex began in September 2010; the Volusia County Council unanimously approved the zoning change necessary to allow for construction, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved construction of the development in October 2012. Funding for the property came primarily through the use of Capital Grant Replacement Housing Factor. All units are equipped with audible/visual fire alarm systems; fire suppression sprinkler systems; Energy-Star appliances; stained wood cabinets; carpeting in living rooms and bedrooms; and vinyl flooring in kitchens, bathrooms and front entries. There is an outdoor picnic and barbeque grill area. Anthony E. Woods, executive director and CEO stated the new property will be a catalyst for future development, and will increase the agency’s total inventory count to provide affordable housing to additional families in Volusia County to abate homelessness.
Northwood II —Ribbon Cutting Ceremony On Thursday, November 19, 2015 The Housing Authority of the City of Daytona Beach’s board members and staff welcomed the construction of its newest development with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Northwood II is located 1925 Ninth Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32117. The property consists of four three bedroom townhome style units, and 23 walkup style apartments to include 11 three bedroom and 12 two bedroom units. Residents are enjoying this newly constructed development. Below: Left to right: Mr. Joyours Gamble; Mr. Barry Cotton, Congressman Mica’s office; Mr. Anthony E. Woods, CEO HACDB; Mrs. Scott Ford, HUD official; Commissioner Steve Koenig; Commissioner Sonya Frazier; Chairman Robin Courtney.
Applicants are judged on:
1. Program Innovation: Resident and Client Services — Includes programs for employment, homeownership, summer and recreation programs for the youth, elderly or special needs housing, and social service programs. 2. Program Innovation: Community Revitalization — Includes programs that have a positive economic impact on a neighborhood or city. 3. Administrative Innovation — Includes programs that improve the efficiency or effectiveness of administrative operations. 4. Program Innovation: Affordable Housing — Includes programs that produce affordable housing in an innovative manner (creative financing, public/private partnerships, mixed income developments, adaptive reuse, special needs housing.) 5. Project Design — Focuses primarily on the physical or landscape design of a building or project.
SARASOTA— Sponsors nation-wide reading program Sarasota Housing Authority has joined other agencies around the country in embracing the national Campaign for Grade Level Reading (gradelevelreading.net). The campaign’s three main areas of focus are: 1) ensure our kids are ready for school entering kindergarten, 2) that our kids are in school every day (attendance matters), and 3) that our kids continue to learn in the summer and not slide backwards, as many low-income kids do each summer. I want to personally salute NAHRO’s Past President Preston Prince for incorporating campaign sessions in recent NAHRO conferences and at the regional and state conference levels, as well as for establishing a NAHRO task force on this issue. Consider these stats: 61% of low-income children have no books at home; children living in poverty hear as many as 30 million fewer words than their more affluent peers; more than 80% of low-income children are not reading proficiently at the end of third-grade; after 3rd grade we read to learn rather than learn to read, so most kids who can’t read proficiently by 4th grade struggle in later grades and often drop out. In light of these sobering, tragic facts and with so many
Receiving the award of merit left to right: Mr. Preston Prince, PT ofNAHRO, Mr. Anthony E. Woods. CEO Housing Authority City Daytona Beach, Mr. Robin Kourtney, chairman board of commissioner of the housing authority, Mr. Saul Ramirez, Jr. NAHRO.
kids in our care, we believe that we must do everything we can to give them a solid foundation for success in school and in life. Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) has sponsored two voluntary pre-kindergarten classrooms which are run by a local provider and has opened a learning center where kids go after school to do homework, use learning software in a computer lab, and receive individual reading coaching by local school teachers. We have stocked a children’s library, and we sponsor periodic book giveaways with the city police officers. We have an early head start center for 0-3 yearolds. We also have a unique agreement with the school board to provide us with attendance data and grades for each of our kids. With that data, we celebrate good grades and meet regularly with the schools and families to focus on kids who are chronically absent. These efforts may have been late in coming, but we are now ‘campaign disciples’ focused on our kids’ academic success and increased life opportunities.
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GEORGIA l NEWS MARIETTA— Senior residents attend prom residents who attended. Over twenty residents received free haircuts and roller sets resulting in beautiful styles for the ladies. Over 70 residents attended, arriving by way of a charter bus, MHA bus or private vehicles. As they arrived, residents were escorted into the beautifully decorated ballroom. They enjoyed a delicious lunch and danced to the music of a live band. As no prom would be complete without a king and queen, Franklin Johnson and Cynthia Watt, both of the Branson Walk community, were crowned. MHA staff and volunteers enjoyed providing this day as much as the residents enjoyed receiving it. The senior residents of the Marietta Housing Authority will surely cherish the memories this event created.
LAVONIA—housing authority wins Best Practices Award
G E O R G I A
Senior residents of the Marietta Housing Authority (MHA) attended a Senior Prom on Thursday, October 15. The prom theme was “Putting on the Ritz”, and the Mountain View Community Center in Marietta was decorated accordingly. To help the residents get ready for their special event, MHA worked with the local community to provide formal wear, shoes, purses and other accessories. General Manager Christy Jones worked with Great Clips who provided eight stylists to turn the Branson Walker Community room into an almost full-service salon. The stylists donated their time while Great Clips coordinated and supported their efforts to give our residents this special gift. The Marietta Housing Authority provided a small reception for the Great Clips Team and the
Each year, the HAI Group be resolved by better Risk Control Committee educating residents, while recog¬nizes risk management other issues would involve achievements by public housa more comprehensive ing authorities. Members of approach of innovation, Housing Authority Risk Retenmore diligent work on the tion Group, Inc. (HARRG) and part of the entire manageHousing Authority Property ment team and employInsurance (HAPI), a mutual ees, and partnering with company, are eligible to other resources within the receive two awards. The Best community. Practices Award is presented The objective was to to the member who has pracdevelop a program that ticed risk management in an would be comprehensive, effective, beneficial manner. yet easy to understand Employees of Lavonia Housing Authority (Georgia), winners of the 2015 Best and follow. They wanted The Housing Authority Risk Practices Award, are recognized for their Fire and Ice program. Shown from Retention Innovation (HARRI) the program to be interleft to right are Richard Whitworth, Executive Director; Elizabeth Owens of Award is presented for innova- HAI Group’s Risk Control and Consulting Department; and Sabrina Weaver, active for the residents. tive programs. They also wanted it to be Office Manager. To qualify for the Best Praceducational since it takes tices Award, the risk management effort must be a new changing attitudes and habits to achieve success. program that addresses liability prevention, fire prevenThey issued a challenge to their office employees and tion, crime control, resident safety education, or emmaintenance department to develop innovative, creployee injury prevention. The effort must be developed ative ideas for increasing awareness in these two imporand implemented by a member housing authority, and tant areas. Through a series of meetings, they outlined it must be a program that can be easily duplicated by a plan, developed milestones and timelines, identi¬fied other members. potential vendors, received price quotes, identified Included in the 2015 winners was Georgia’s Lavonia potential community partners, worked with the city and Housing Authority. They won the Best Practices Award for local fire department, and then defined each partner’s their Fire and Ice project. The Lavonia Housing Authority involvement. board, management, and employees were concerned Congratulations Lavonia Housing Authority from all about ice-related water damage and fire-damage your SERC friends – you make us proud! claim losses. They believed some of the issues could
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KENTUCKY l NEWS ELIZABETHTOWN—
hosts districts HUD training
K E N T U C KY
Districts one and two held a HUD training day on Friday, March 18 at at the Housing Authority of Elizabethtown. Trainers were Frank McNeil, Jared Ison, Sonja Redmon and Katherine Calloway from HUD. Topics included new procurement regulations, capital funds, agency plans, community service and self-sufficiency requirements, the new no smoking rule, and “lead the way” training program for boards of commissioners. The best part of the day was homemade lunch and desserts prepared by Margaret Peake! Thanks to the Housing Authority of Elizabethtown for being a great host!
Kentucky Housing Association establishes small agency taskforce
With the barrage of changes coming at the public housing industry, the Kentucky Housing Association strives to be a valuable resource for Kentucky agencies to stay informed and equipped to tackle the challenges. Since the majority of housing agencies in Kentucky are small agencies, KHA jumped at the chance to create a small agency taskforce to address these unique concerns. Kentucky’s small agency taskforce consists of eight members from across the state. Three of the members, Lucy Embry (Stanford HA), Tooter Castle (Paintsville HA), and Shannon Biggs (Columbia HA), are also serving on the SERC small agency taskforce. Shannon Biggs will also serve on the NAHRO small agency taskforce.
Kentucky Housing Association 2015 scholarship awards
The Kentucky Housing Association recently awarded Jude Stitzel, Ryan Crowder, and Tyler Boyle scholarships. Each KHA Scholarship pays $3,000.00 over four years and is awarded to a deserving high school senior or college student living in public or assisted housing. Jude Stitzel has been a resident of public housing or received Section 8 Rental Assistance for six years. He is a resident of the Housing Authority of Dayton. He attended Dayton High School in Dayton with a 3.95 grade point average. Jude plans to attend Gateway Community and Technical College, where his long term goal is to study psychiatry. Ryan Crowder has been a resident of Public Housing or received Section 8 Rental Assistance for nine years. He is a resident of The Princeton Housing Authority. Ryan is a 2015 graduate of the Caldwell County High School, with a 3.26 grade point average. He plans to attend Madisonville Community College and pursue a bachelor of science in funeral service planning. Tyler Boyle has been a resident of public housing or received Section 8 Rental Assistance for over 12 years. He was sponsored by the Paris-Bourbon County Community Development Agency. Tyler is a graduate of Bourbon County High School with a 4.0 grade point average. He plans to attend Vassar College in the fall, majoring in political science. The Kentucky Housing Association also selected Cylin George for a one year scholarship in the total amount of $2,500.00. This Scholarship is being funded by Arthur J Gallagher Risk Management Group, an insurance company for the authorities of the Kentucky Housing Association. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving high school senior or college student in living public or assisted housing. Cylin is a resident of the Louisville Metro Housing Authority. She has been accepted to Morehead State University. Cylin wants to pursue health care management and administration or biomedical engineering. Congratulations to Jude, Ryan, Tyler and Cylin on their successes. We wish them the best as they continue their education with support from the Kentucky Housing Association.
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Ryan Crowder
Jude Stitzel
Tyler Boyle Cylin George
MISSISSIPPI l NEWS NATCHEZ— JACKSON— housing authorities receive grants data, the organization has been busy serving low-income residents of the Mississippi state capital. The Jackson Housing Authority received two AHP grants in 2015 as part of $7.4 million in AHP funding awarded through FHLB Dallas member institutions, like BankPlus. One AHP grant of $112,125 will assist 15 income-qualified, lowincome homebuyers, providing each with $7,000 in down-payment assistance. A second AHP grant of $140,000 will help 20 low-income households with home rehabilitation. Of these households, 60 percent will qualify as elderly or disabled. “The Jackson Housing Authority is a groundbreaker in our community, supporting affordable new construction and facilitating critical structural and safety-related repairs to existing homes,” said Mark Ouellette, vice president and director of Community Investment at BankPlus. “We are honored to partner with them in service to the Jackson area.” FHLB Dallas annually returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to the communities served by its member institutions such as BankPlus. AHP grants fund a variety of projects, including home rehabilitation and modifications for low-income, elderly, and special-needs residents; down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified firsttime homebuyers; and the construction of low-income, multifamily rental communities and single-family homes. Jackson Housing Authority Executive Director Allison Cox said the AHP grants will support the housing authority’s core purpose. “Our mission is to be the community leader in providing quality affordable housing,” she said. “Equally important to our mission is that JHA maintains a safe environment supported by programs and services that encourage economic improvement, personal empowAllison Cox, erment, and homeownership. These AHP grants will executive director, assist us in accomplishing that. Thank you, BankPlus Jackson Housing Authority. and FHLB Dallas!”
LAUREL—
MISSISSIPPI
Natchez Housing Authority was recently awarded two grants. One grant of $12,500 was from an organization known as “My Brother’s Keeper. This grant was awarded for the purpose of assisting the housing authority to become a smoke-free environment. These funds went into educational and physical improvements for its residents and properties. There is now a smoke-free policy in place, and all Bridgett Pollard, resident residents have been made aware of the rules and regulations imposed by the housing authority. It is programs coordinator, Natchez Housing also a part of all new lessees’ orientation. Smoking Authority. receptacles have been placed throughout all of the housing authority’s five developments, which cover nine separate sites. Further, the funds were used for smoking, and intervention supplies to assist those residents who desired to stop smoking, and training materials were also distributed to all of the residents. The second grant, awarded in mid-March, was a ROSS Service Coordinator Grant in the amount of $219,699. This grant will enable the housing authority to hire a Service Coordinator. Some services under this grant are as follows: to provide case management and information and referral services; educate residents on available services and benefits and on tenancy issues. The Natchez Housing Authority used the services of a hired grant writer to secure the ROSS Service Coordinator Grant, but not for the My Brother’s Keeper grant, which was secured in-house. Executive Director Alan Ingram stated that both grants were facilitated by resident programs coordinator Bridgett Pollard who has a 24 year successful record with grants to assist Natchez Housing Authority residents. The Jackson Housing Authority will be able to assist an additional 35 families with the help of $250,000 in Affordable Housing Program grant funds from BankPlus and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. With an estimated 30 percent of Jackson, Mississippi, residents at or below the poverty line, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau
CLARKSDALE— What home means to me”
New basketball champions! The Laurel Housing Authority boys basketball team, LHA Thunder – Ages 13 to 15, recently won first place in the 24th Annual Southeastern Regional Council (SERC) Martin Luther King Jr. Basketball Challenge in Opelika, AL, January 15-18. Shown in picture from left to right – front row: Deaundre Seven other teams Wright, Tavious Arrington; Back Row: Jaquan Magee, participated in this Jerome Jones, Clifton McGruder, Leo Pugh, Austin Lindsey, age bracket. During Darrius McCullum, Tabias Armond and Antwan Hatten. the basketball tour- Not pictured Coach William Hayden. nament, teams participated in an educational tour of the historical Tuskegee Airmen Museum in Tuskegee, AL, visited Auburn University campus in Auburn, AL, and attended a Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet. The team members experienced cultural diversity through recreation and special events during their trip to the tournament. Teams participating in the MLK Basketball Challenge (traveling from Bowling Green KY; Birmingham, AL; Alexander City, AL; Lexington, NC, Huntsville, AL, Greensboro, NC, Opelika, AL, Eufaula, AL, Thomson, GA, Hinesville, GA, Opp, AL) were associated with Boys and Girls Clubs and public housing authorities.
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Amy Strider, administrative assistant with Clarksdale Housing Authority, told the children about the poster contest "What Home Means To Me". The contest is a collaborative effort of NAHRO and its local and state chapters, i.e. MAHRO. Proceeds from the calendar sales go to a fund for prizes for the winners of the poster calendar contest. The 12 national honorees will each receive $100 Visa gift cards and the national grand prize winner will receive an iPad. The grand prize honoree and his or her family will also be provided with transportation to and lodging at NAHRO’s 2016 Washington Conference. The grand prize honoree will also receive a framed copy of their original artwork and will tour Capitol Hill. Left to right: KarTravion McGee, KeMoree Harris, David Harris, Amy Strider CHA Admin Services Coordinator, Jeremiah Harris, and Briylan Harris
TENNESSEE l NEWS CLARKSVILLE— LHRC hosts national housing advocate
TENNESSEE
On October 7, 2015 Dr. Sheila Crowley, president of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) visited Martha Weatherspoon, president of the Lincoln Holmes Resident Center (LHRC). Weatherspoon is not only a friend of Dr. Crowley, but also currently serves as a board member for the NLIHC. Dr. Crowley stopped by for the visit on her way to the Tennessee Governor’s Housing Summit where she was a featured speaker. During Dr. Crowley’s visit, she and Weatherspoon hosted a group of city and state leaders to discuss affordable housing issues, resources and best practices. Those in attendance included state Representative Joe Pitts, the city of Clarksville’s Mayor Kim McMillan, NAACP President Jimmie Garland, CHA Chairperson Jeannie Beauchamp, CHA Vice-chairperson Suzanne Langford, CHA staff and board members, and other city and community leaders. Dr. Crowley, who briefly lived in Clarksville while her husband was stationed at Ft. Campbell, enjoyed a tour of the city hosted by Mayor McMillan. Representative Pitts presented Dr. Crowley with Governor Haslam’s proclamation making her an honorary citizen of Tennessee.
(Left to Right) SR Occupancy Specialist Diane Vaughn, CHA Assistant Director Sherry Conatser, TN State Rep. Joe Pitts, Dr. Shelia Crowley, CHA Vice Chairperson Suzanne Langford, Mayor Kim McMillan, CHA Executive Director Wanda Mills and NAACP President Jimmie Garland.
(Left to Right) CHA Property Manager Mr. Dustin Clark, and Dr. Shelia Crowley
(Left to Right) Lincoln Homes Resident Council President Martha Weatherspoon, Dr. Shelia Crowley and Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan
JOHNSON CITY (JCHA)—
Senior adult health fair
Single parents appreciation dinner
JCHA Department of Resident Services held its bi-annual health fair for senior adults on April 14th at the Keystone Recreation Center. Fifty residents from JCHA attended the event. East Tennessee State University student nurses provided several informational booths covering everything from exercise to diabetes and administered blood pressure checks, glucose checks, nutrition screenings, exercise demonstrations. The nursing students were able to answer many health related questions. Milligan College provided representatives from the department of counseling and psychology to raise awareness for mental health issues common in senior adults. The knowledge and resources promoted at this event help senior adults and disabled individuals living in the JCHA community to continue living an independent lifestyle. Residents who visited each informational booth were entered into a drawing for door prize, and a healthy lunch was provided for all attendees. Transportation to the event was also provided to any resident needing assistance. This spring’s health fair was another huge success due to the great participation from all the residents and community representatives.
Johnson City Housing Authority provides safe, affordable, and quality housing to many singleparent families. Moms and dads of these households are familiar with the struggle to balance work, finances, and raising a family on their own. LXI ministries has partnered with JCHA to host a single parents’ dinner once a month in the Keystone Community. This is a special event designed to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of each parent and is greatly anticipated by the families. LXI volunteers decorate the facility, provide a home cooked dinner, and provide entertainment for both the kids and their parents. Having “a night off”, allows single-parent families to enjoy doing something fun together and visiting with other families in their community.
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VIRGINIA l NEWS NEWPORT NEWS—
Apartments awarded “multifamily project of the year”
V I R G I N I A
The Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA) was honored by Earthcraft Virginia at The 2016 Sustainable Leadership Awards, receiving the award for “Jeferson Brookville Apartments”. The annual awards recognize the state’s premiere developers, builders, architects, government officials and other industry professionals for their work in advancing the benefits of sustainable building. NNRHA was honored on Tuesday evening March 22 at a ceremony in downtown Richmond which brought together close to 200 individuals representing home builders, non-profit and for-profit housing providers and developers, affordable housing advocates and those interested in creating green housing opportunities in Virginia. Awards were presented in a variety of categories to cover new construction, renovation, single family homes, multifamily housing and more. The Jefferson Brookville project utilized new construction and the adaptive reuse of the historic Washington School and Mesic Hardware Building to provide 50 units of affordable housing. The NNRHA was incorporated in 1939 as one of the first housing authoities in the state of Virginia. NNRHA owns and manages 11 public housing commuities in the city of Newport News and administers the Section 8 housing program. The authority is also a significant provider of new home buyer opportunities and affordable housing for lower and moderate income families in Newport News. Executive Director Karen Wilkds said “Our role is to revitalize neighborhoods and create affordable housing. We have been able to do this because we have an excellent working relationship with the city of Newport News.” The EarthCraft program was created in 1999 by a partnership between Southface Energy Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and was brought to Virginia in 2006. Operated by Viridiant in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland, EarthCraft is a family of green building certification programs designed to address climate, energy and water issues unique to the southeastern United States. The program serves as a blueprint for energy and resource-efficient single family homes, multifamily structures, renovation projects, community developments, light commercial buildings and sustainable preservation projects.
NORFOLK—NRHA receives multiple national awards for annual report
The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s US Department of State which received Silver. NRHA also (NRHA) 2014 Annual Report recently received top honors ranked 23rd in the Top 40 American Annual Report catin the world’s largest annual report competition sponsored egory. by the League of American Communications Professionals The 2014 Vision Awards Annual Report Competition drew (LACP) in the following categories: Gold Award Governone of the largest numbers of submissions ever, representing ment Sector, Top 40 Annual American Report, and Overall a broad range of industries and organizational sizes. This Top 50 in the Americas Region year’s event was comprised of nearly 1,000 organizations “The level of creativity exhibited in the report is outstandrepresenting upwards of two-dozen countries, so competiing, which is supported by excellent tion was exceptionally tough. clarity in communicating this year’s NRHA’s annual report is produced key messages. It should be noted in-house by the communications that accessibility to key information and government relations departsought by readers is outstanding” ment. “Planning and executing an says Christine Kennedy, LACP manannual report of this caliber is an aging director. enormous staff undertaking” says NRHA ranked 40th in the Top 50 in Ed Ware, director of the communithe Americas Region (encompasses cations and government relations North, South and Central America), department, “We are pleased to beating out organizations such have an opportunity to highlight the as Pfizer Inc., Boeing Company, important work of our organization Department of Army and Wal-Mart. NRHA Communications team. (L to R) Louie Roybal, III, and to be recognized by this prestiGraphic Designer; Jan Branham, Marketing Assistant,; Ed In the Gold Award category, NRHA gious competition.” Ware, Director; Jennifer White Moore, Communications & ranked highest among local, state Marketing Specialist or federal entities, followed by the
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WEST VIRGINIA l NEWS WVAHA— Spring Workshop–2016
WEST VIRGINIA
WVAHA recently held their spring workshop 19-21 at the Wingate Hotel and Bridgeport Conference Center in Bridgeport, West Virginia. This year’s agenda included the Nelrod Company. Nelrod Company, one of the country’s premiere affordable housing and energy efficiency consulting firms. Originally conceived with the simple mission of empowering a few struggling small housing communities, the company has since transformed assisted housing operations nationwide. They provide a range of consulting and assessment services to agencies, corporations, and clients of all sizes. Sessions included tracks in Section 8, File Management/ Quality Control, which covered organization and content of tenant files, as well as policies and procedures for successful file management. The public housing session focused on public housing in small and medium PHA’s and avoiding negative reviews and steps to prepare for an OIG audit. Roach and Associates provided 2-day tracks on maintenance qualifications and certification training. Bill Tamburino with the Baltimore HUD office provided timely updates on changes and participated in an informative Q and A session. Julia Borders with the Baltimore HUD office reviewed the HCV forecasting tool. HCV are the housing choice voucher guidelines that include new forms to aid with the public housing agencies with their Section 8 properties. These vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program. Thursday’s wrap up sessions, sponsored by the Nelrod Group, included tenant briefings, sexual harassment as it applies to the new fair housing initiative, and smoke-free housing implementation and regulations. Crystal Wojciechowski with PHADA provided a timely Washington update on changes that have occurred and what
Huntington Housing Authority was awarded the Trendsetting Business of the Year Award by United Way of the Rivers Cities on March 29th. The award recognized the company with the most new contributors over the past year.
we can expect down the road. Brickstreet Insurance discussed issues encountered by maintenance staff and how to identify these issues. The roundtable discussions are always a popular session for members. These discussions allow WV housing agencies to express concerns with a HUD representative listening and offering suggestions. This year’s conference was a necessary and informative avenue for West Virginia to keep providing safe and affordable housing for their communities. Special thanks to Lou Aragona, Lu Anne Bush and all the staff at Clarksburg-Harrison Regional Housing Authority for hosting the workshop. Thanks also to the professional development committee for their time and efforts spent toward providing the best possible workshop.
West Virginia Association of Housing Agencies Delegation to DC to present the 2016 Housing Position Papers to WV State Legislators. April is designated as Fair Housing Month. Meetings were conducted with Congressmen Alex Mooney, David McKinley, and Evan Jenkins as well as Senators Joe Manchin III and Shelley Moore Capito. WV group with Senator Capito at the NAHRO Legislative Conference: L to R - John Martys, Sonia Meridith, Vickie Lester, Senator Capito, Mark Taylor, Madelyn Dotson, LuAnn Bush, Larry Ellis, Jeff Knight, and Bill Dotson
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Save The Date June 24-27, 2017 2017 NAHRO-SERC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
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2016 l S e r c S p r i n g C o m m i t t e e M e e t i n g s
Committee meetings were held March 10-12 at the Mariott Shoals Hotel and Spa in Florence, AL. Committee members reviewed and discussed plans for the remainder of 2016. Break-out sessions included reports and updates and gave members an opportunity to discuss ideas, concerns and plans with their peers. President Dave Baldwin welcomed members and managed to sit in on all the individual committee meetings. He announced plans for the Serc Annual Conference at the Beau Rivage
ABOVE: MAHRO President Dave Baldwin conducts meeting with members to discuss 2016 agenda.
Administrative Practices 18
Serc Spring Committee Meetings I 2016 Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi coming up in June. The Beau Rivage is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, about an hour’s drive from New Orleans to the west and Mobile, Alabama to the east. Biloxi is one of the oldest communities in the country, having first been settled in 1699. Details of the conference location were provided to each chairperson so they could share the information with their committee members.
Hospitality Resolutions
The annual conference committee, with the theme “Helping solve the Housing Puzzle,” is hard at work securing expert trainers for our break-out sessions, organizing receptions where you can trade information with your colleagues and with vendors, and putting together our annual golf tournament in support of our scholarship program. SERC committee members recently visited the Muscle Shoals area where many famous musical artists have recorded a variety of songs that we know and love today. Muscle Shoals is a thriving area for music professionals; who knows who you might casually bump into there! To find out what is on the agenda for the annual conference visit the SERC website at www.serc-nahro.org where sessions are listed and other information is shared. I look forward to seeing you in Biloxi!
Rental Assistance 19
Member Services
Scholarships
Legislative 20
Serc Spring Committee Meetings I 2016
Budget
Education/Training
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Serc Spring Committee Meetings I 2016
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Grilling Safety Tips From the National Fire Prevention Association
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. • Never leave your grill unattended. • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
CHARCOAL GRILLS
• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel. • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use. • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
GRILLED CHICKEN
Prep time: 15 min Marinating time: 1-hour minimum Cook time: 12 min Yield: 4–5 servings • 2 Tbsp Olive oil • Juice of 4 lemons • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 Tbsp honey • A dash of salt • 4 -5 boneless chicken breasts Mix together some olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey and a dash of salt. Pound the chicken breasts until they are uniform thickness, then marinate them for at least 1-hour (can marinate up to 24-hours) in the refrigerator. Grill ‘em up ... they should take 12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked all the way through ... turn them over after about 6 minutes so they cook evenly on both sides.
Memorial Day History
Copied in part from the U.S. Veteran Administration’s Office of Public Affairs
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, Decoration Day was established as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns. Local springtime tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in various places. One of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss., April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh. Nearby were the graves of Union soldiers, neglected because they were the enemy. Disturbed at the sight of the bare graves, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, as well. Today, cities in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. Both Macon and Columbus, Ga., claim the title, as well as Richmond, Va. The village of Boalsburg, Pa., claims it began there two years earlier. A stone in a Carbondale, Ill., cemetery carries the statement that the first Decoration Day ceremony took place there on April 29, 1866. Carbondale was the wartime home of Gen. Logan. Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried. In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities. It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May. To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”
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Restoring a national treasure Reprinted from the Smithsonian Institution’s website New York stockbroker Eben Appleton inherited the StarSpangled Banner upon his mother’s death in 1878. The publicity that it had received in the 1870s had transformed it into a national treasure, and Appleton received many requests to lend it for patriotic occasions. He permitted it to go to Baltimore for that city’s sesquicentennial celebration in 1880. After that his concern for the flag’s deteriorating condition led him to keep it in a safe-deposit vault in New York. In 1907 he lent the Star-Spangled Banner to the Smithsonian Institution, and in 1912 he converted the loan to a gift. Appleton donated the flag with the wish that it would always be on view to the public. Museums constantly balance the desire to display an object with the need to protect it from the damage created by light, dust, and other environmental factors. The Smithsonian has had to balance its effort to fulfill his wishes with the need to care for the fragile and damaged object. In 1994 the museum determined that the Star-Spangled Banner required further conservation treatment to remain on public display. Conservation of the large and valuable flag would require several years and specialized equipment and staff. In 1998 teams of museum conservators, curators, and other specialists helped move the flag from its home in the museum’s Flag Hall into a new conservation laboratory. First, the staff sealed off the work zone in Flag Hall from public access and secured the area. Next, they covered the flag’s back and front. The team then reinforced the display frame and lowered the flag on cantilevered scaffolding. The conservation team carefully vacuumed the flag and protected its fragile areas before rolling it onto the tube for transport to the new lab in its special crate. The flag was moved to a new specially-built conservation lab. Museum visitors observed the conservation process through a 50-foot (15.2-m)-long glass wall. A moveable bridge (gantry) gave the conservation team a working surface above the flag. The lab was equipped with its own heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) that kept the air free of contaminants and maintained a steady temperature and humidity. The conservation team began treating the flag by removing the linen support backing that was attached in 1914. Over the years, this support had weakened and become soiled. In order to remove the linen backing, the conservators first removed the web of approximately 1.7 million stitches that had held it in place since 1914. They used tweezers to grasp each stitch and small clippers to cut the thread where it pierced the flag. Then, lifting the released end of the stitch, they clipped the other end. The conservators painstakingly removed the linen backing. They used small spatulas to separate the linen from the flag, then carefully lifted the linen and removed it in small
sections. the clipped stitch away. After removing the linen backing, the conservators had an unobstructed view of the back of the flag for the first time in 85 years. Using a camera attached to a microscope, they documented its condition, including fiber deterioration and stains. Information obtained during this phase helped project curators and conservators decide on next steps in the conservation treatment. Conservators used non-abrasive, dry sponges to gently blot surface dirt from the side of the flag that had been previously covered by the linen. The composition of the dirt was analyzed, providing more detailed information on the flag’s history. Conservators turned the flag over and removed surface dirt from the opposite side, applying the same dry-sponge technique. Most of the dirt removed was made up of minute particles of carbon and oily residues. Before the Star-Spangled Banner came to the Smithsonian, it had been patched and mended many times. Conservators carefully removed sixty of the most harmful repairs in order to relieve stress and allow the fabric to regain its natural shape. After extensive research, conservators devised an effective and safe method for removing embedded dirt from the flag that had remained after the dry-sponge cleaning procedure. They carefully applied a solvent mixture of acetone and water to the flag using a very soft bristle brush with no metal components. Acid-free, conservation-grade blotting paper placed under the flag absorbed the dirt as it was released from the fibers. To document the flag, conservators had it photographed. Because of its size and the confined space of the lab, the flag could not be photographed as a whole. The photographer took seventy-three separate images. Using computer technology, each frame was pieced together, like a puzzle, into a composite image. Before conservators began the final phase of the work, they realigned the flag, taking out folds and distortions that occurred when Amelia Fowler “restored” the flag to a perfect rectangle in 1914. To complete the conservation process, they sewed the flag to Stabiltex, a lightweight polyester material, to support it and keep fragile areas in place. To prepare the flag for exhibition, conservators attached the flag to a heavier, dimensionally-stable underlay. The flag was covered to protect it from dust and debris during the museum’s renovation. It was then rolled and crated for the move to its new home. Once inside the new chamber, the flag was unrolled on the display table. The underlay was secured under the table with clamps. The table was then tilted to 10 degrees, the angle conservators concluded would provide proper support for the flag while allowing the best view of the flag.
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LEGISLATIVE l Update
What do we do now? Unless you have been living under a rock for the past several months, you should know we have already had a flurry of positive legislative activity this year. On February 2, the Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act of 2016 - H.R. 3700 (HOTMA) was passed by unanimous vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mike Sweet When was the last time you recall a bill passing in the House by unanimous vote? While HOTMA is not a cure-all, it is definitely a step in the right direction and has provisions that will provide some relief to the public housing industry. These include: • Use of estimated current year income to determine initial applicant eligibility. • Revisions to elderly/disabled and child care deductions • Workable provisions to deal with over-income families • The ability to establish capital fund replacement reserves • Reverse-fungibility where a PHA will be able to transfer 20 percent of their operating funds to their capital fund, and • Revisions to Section 8 inspection requirements Another exciting development is in the area of small housing authority reform. On March 21 the Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2016 – H.R. 4816 - was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is a companion bill to S. 2292, which was introduced in the Senate on November 17, 2015. Unfortunately, neither of these two bills has been put to a vote. The small housing authority reform bill will provide significant relief to PHAs under 550 units that including: • Simplification of financial assessment of public
housing (PHAS – using current ratio only) and housing voucher programs (SEMAP – using a 90% occupancy standard) operated by small housing agencies • Flexibility will allow small agencies “full fungibility” – the ability to mix their annual allocations of operating, capital, and HAP funds • Limiting of administrative requirements that will put small agencies on par with requirements on private owners of publically-assisted housing • Maintenance of the optional exemption from asset management for PHAs with 400 or fewer units • Flexibility that will allow small agencies to retain and re-invest more of the savings from energy conservation measures, and • Authorization of a rent reform demonstration (for >20% of small agencies) I must say with all due respect it has been my experience over the course of my career, as an industry, we are a whiny bunch. Yours truly is included in this description. We fuss and complain about the state of public housing but, in my opinion, we haven’t done much to correct the situation. Unfortunately, it appears that despite the positive developments have recently occurred, legislation that would provide relief may end up getting bogged down in the House and/or Senate. So, what do we do now? Well, I am issuing a challenge to you reading this article to “put your money where your mouth is.” Brief your board of commissioners on these legislative developments and encourage their involvement. Contact your city/ county administration and state legislature and solicit their advocacy on our behalf. Pay attention to the NAHRO Advocacy Action Center (http:// www.nahro.org/nahro-advocacy) and utilize this valuable resource to make your voice heard. Most importantly, write and call your senators and congressperson and, if possible, meet with them to express your desire that they support legislation that will provide regulatory relief for public housing. I think you would agree with me when I say we can’t afford to miss this opportunity.
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HUD l Update HUD STREAMLINES RENT REGULATIONS
New rule will reduce burden on state and local housing agencies and private landlords. WASHINGTON – In an effort to reduce the administrative burden on state and local governments, public housing authorities and private owners of HUD-assisted multifamily properties, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently posted on its website for advanced review a forthcoming new rule to ease its regulatory requirements under a number of the department’s programs. The new rule is intended to streamline a host of requirements and to provide greater flexibility for agencies responsible for administering HUD’s rental assistance programs. “This rule provides a number of much-needed flexibilities that will enable public housing agencies and other housing administrators to operate their programs more efficiently and effectively,” said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. “We will continue to explore other areas to reduce administrative burden while ensuring grantees’ ability to provide housing assistance to low-income families in communities across the nation.” The changes included in this rule, while important, should be considered an initial step towards more systematic streamlining of HUD’s rental assistance programs. HUD recognizes that its partners are struggling to operate their programs in a difficult budget environment and intends to continue reexamining program requirements in order to find ways to eliminate unnecessary requirements and improve efficiency. The new streamlined rule applies to local housing agencies administering public housing and the housing choice voucher (HCV) programs as well as private landlords under contract through HUD’s multi-family housing programs. In addition, the rule relaxes regulations on state and local units of government administering tenant-based rental assistance programs through HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Housing Opportunities for Person with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. HUD’s new rule will impact tenant rental payments, rent determination processes, verification of social security numbers for children of applicants, frequency of utility reimbursement payments, verification of assets and community service completion, grievance procedures, unit inspections, and utility payment schedules.
HUD AWARDS $32 MILLION TO PROMOTE JOBS, SELF-SUFFICIENCYFOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS
WASHINGTON – To help public housing residents find jobs and educational opportunities, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded nearly $32 million in grants to public housing authorities and non-profit organizations across the nation to hire or retain service coordinators to help residents achieve economic and housing independence. The funding, provided through HUD’s Resident Opportunities and Self-sufficiency-Service Coordinators
Program (ROSS-SC) helps public housing authorities, resident associations, non-profit organizations, Indian tribes or entities representing Indian tribes hire or retain “service coordinators” who work directly with residents to assess their needs and connect them with education, job training and placement programs, and/or computer and financial literacy services available in their community to promote self-sufficiency. “Today, we make an affirmative investment in families living in public housing to help them build a brighter future for themselves and their children,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “This funding allows our local partners to support residents’ goals and put them on the path toward self-sufficiency.” The purpose of HUD’s ROSS-SC program is to encourage local, innovative strategies that link public housing assistance with public and private resources to enable participating families to increase earned income; reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance; and make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.
HUD ANNOUNCES 2016 FINALISTS IN STUDENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DESIGN AND PLANNING COMPETITION
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the selection of four student teams from universities across the country as the finalists in the Innovation in Affordable Housing Student Design and Planning Competition, a competition that seeks to encourage research and innovation in the areas of affordable housing design and planning. In April, one team from among these graduate student finalists will be chosen as the overall winner for having the best solution to redevelop the Monteria Village public housing development in Santa Barbara, California. The design competition also seeks to improve capacity for industry professionals and future designers and planners, and to foster cross-cutting team-work within the design and community development process. “Boosting and improving affordable housing is critical to the mission of HUD and to ensuring that every American has access to safe and stable housing,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “By tapping the talents of top young people across the nation, we are finding new ways to tackle old challenges in federal government.” HUD and the Housing Authority in the City of Santa Barbara, California challenged multi-disciplinary teams of graduate students to consider the complex challenges associated with rehabbing the current structure or demolishing it and creating new construction. These student participants needed to consider design, community development, and financing elements in order to provide an all-encompassing plan and solution that would allow the housing authority to meet its goal of offering safe and sustainable affordable housing to area families. Students also needed to understand the needs of the intended residents, the zoning restrictions, and leveraging opportunities.
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SERC Cares
Back Bay Mission
SERC Cares is an initiative through which SERC provides a donation from its members to a worthy cause in each city where we have a conference. SERC is pleased to announce we have selected Back Bay Mission of Biloxi MS as the recipient of our members’ generosity for the 2016 SERC Annual Conference. Back Bay a faith-based organization that has been a force for good on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1922. Back Bay Mission takes a three-tiered approach to addressing poverty: they provide emergency assistance, intensive case management, and peer support networks. This approach helps people move from addressing their immediate needs to making the journey out of poverty to helping others. Back Bay Mission offers a variety of ministries serving the poor and marginalized of the Mississippi Gulf Coast: education and empowerment, emergency assistance, housing rehabilitation, The Micah Day Center and Homeless Outreach, mission immersion experiences, and supportive housing. Visit their website at https://thebackbaymission.org to learn more about their mission, their values-based approach and the programs
that they operate. There is an excellent piece called “Poverty in Mississippi” under their “Be Informed” tab that you may want to read. Back Bay Mission publishes a magazine, “The Changing Tides,” several times a year that can also be found in the Be Informed tab. So, get ready to reach into your pocket and pull out your checkbook or credit card. You can support this agency any time between now and the end of the June conference by donating at https://thebackbaymission.org/get-involved/give/serc-nahro/. Just scroll down the page and you will see where you can make a donation by credit card or by sending a check to the address provided. If you donate there it will automatically be credited to SERC’s efforts. The more you read about this organization, the more you’re going to want to support it; you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Back Bay Mission at the annual conference in June, as well as meet some representatives. Thank you so much for your consideration and support for this SERC Cares agency!
Back Bay Mission working behind the scene... Micah Day Center and homeless outreach
The Micah Day Center provides a variety of services to our lowincome and homeless guests. In addition to meeting the immediate needs of guests, we provide resources so that they can improve their lives. Guests have access to help with their resumes, employment agencies, housing agencies, applications for entitlements, etc. More than providing emergency assistance, the Micah Center helps improve the long term sustainability of its guests.
Housing rehabilitation and volunteers
Emergency solutions In 2015 Back Bay Mission received an Emergency Solutions Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant helps us provide immediate housing assistance to very low-income families. Sometimes, this means homelessness prevention. Sometimes this means rehousing someone who has become homeless.
When low-income families need help staying in their homes, Back Bay Mission is there for them. Housing rehabilitation is a staple of Back Bay Mission’s ministry. This program helps people stay in their homes by making necessary renovations and repairs. Whether someone has lost their home to a fire, needs renovations to make it accessible to someone with a disability, or requires regular maintenance the family can’t afford, we’re there for them. We not only help people meet their immediate housing needs, but also work with our housing rehabilitation clients learning how to maintain those homes. By working carefully with homeowners and partner organizations, we give people the tools they need for a better future.
Emergency assistance Our emergency assistance program meets the immediate needs of the poor and marginalized of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We operate the coast’s only client-choice food pantry, provide help with utilities, assist with prescription medicine, and help with vital documents.
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“What Home Means To Me” Poster Contest National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
COMPETITION State Competitions:
Each State Association (CCHRCO, MAHRO, GAHRA, etc.) having a poster contest should select a 1st, 2nd & 3rd-place winner from each category (a total of 9) from entries submitted by their local affordable housing agencies. Categories include: Elementary—K to 5th grade Middle School—6th to 8th grade High School—9th to 12th grade
SERC Competition:
The selected winning state posters and essays must be received by SERC by June 17, 2016 for judging. If you are mailing, please mail to: Biloxi Housing Authority 330 Benachi Street Biloxi, MS 39530 Attention: Helen Werby If you are bringing them with you, deliver to: Shannon Briggs or Jacob Oglesby at the Beau Rivage Hotel, Biloxi, MS NAHRO Fellows will serve as judges for the contest.
Winning artists will be announced at the SERC Legislative Breakfast on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Three posters (the first-place winner in each category) will be forwarded to NAHRO for Housing America’s national “What Home Means to Me” competition. NAHRO will only accept posters submitted through SERC’s competition. Visit www.housingamericacampaign.org/what-home-means-to-me for complete rules.
Please join us at the SERC Annual Conference & Exhibit June 19-22, 2016 Beau Rivage Hotel, Biloxi, MS If you have questions, please contact Tina Akers Brown, Housing America Regional Coordinator, at takers@gha-nc.org 32
2016 SERC
Scholarship Golf Tournament A Jack Nicklaus Design
Grand Bear Golf Course, Biloxi, Mississippi.
SERC donates $25,000 per year to public housing college bound residents in scholarships to help them with their education. You can be a part even if you don’t play golf! You can be a SPONSOR of one of the events. We always have fun even if you do play golf.
Battle of the States and Vendors
Monday, June 20, 2016 33
Subscribe Today!
SERCulator S LThe official publication of the
Southeastern Regional Council of Housing and CD Professionals National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials
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Heroes among us... Public housing provides stability: ReThink why housing matters
Above: Devasted areas after Katrina. Right: Fort Payne housing property.
Above: Sheila and morning coffee break with Major Linda Hudson.
If you have a hero among you, let us know so we can share with SERC members!
New executive director at Scott County Housing Authority Scott County Redevelopment and Housing Authority is excited to announce Tim Kitts is their new executive director. “I am truly excited about joining Scott County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The experience and commitment of our dedicated employees is inspiring,” Kitts said, “ I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this organization and look forward to providing programs that will empower families to achieve long term self-sufficiency.” Tim graduated from Tennessee Temple University and obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Tim worked in the sales industry for 16 years before transitioning to public housing in 2011. Tim has served as the director of family and community services for Johnson City Housing Authority in Tennessee since 2011. Tim has been happily married to Stephanie for 18 years, and they are the parents of three fantastic children. Virginia Roach, who served as executive director of SCRHA, retired after 34 years of faithful service.
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RECOGNTIONS
Sheila Bradley enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on October 14, 1986. When the Gulf War began in 2003, Bradley was mobilized and sent to the Persian Gulf for two years. Upon her return to the states, Staff Sergeant Bradley was stationed in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Just a short time after she arrived, Hurricane Katrina hit the area. Soldiers were given the choice to stay in Hattiesburg or return to their home of record. Bradley chose to return to her home in Ft. Pierce, Florida. For six months she lived in a Motel Six while looking for work and trying to get back into a civilian lifestyle. One day she saw an article in the newspaper about Section Eight housing vouchers. Bradley swallowed her pride and applied for the help that she needed. “At some point, you just have to do what is best for your family,” she said, “I didn’t come from a background of poverty. I didn’t come from a low-income family,” she continued, “if this happened to me, this can happen to anyone.” Bradley began attending ‘Coffee with the Mayor,’ and became friends with Mayor Linda Hudson. After a few months, Mayor Hudson called and asked Bradley to serve on the Ft. Pierce Housing Authority’s board of commissioners. It was a call that changed her life. She hopes that her service as a commissioner will allow her to make a difference in the lives of others. When asked what advice she would offer other public housing residents, Bradley says, “Don’t be ashamed, be proud. This (public housing) is just a tool. Just like a carpenter uses his tools to build a house, public housing can be a tool to help families get ahead,” she continued, “ You must use the tools to help you build a strong foundation, but you don’t have to become part of the system; instead, let the system work for you” We salute Sergeant Bradley as a hero – not just to her country, but also to public housing.
postage
SERC EVENTS I Around the region
What’s on the agenda around SERC June 2016
SERC Annual Conference 2016— June 19, 2016-June 22, 2016 Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, Biloxi, MS
AUGUST 2016
FAHRO Annual Convention—August 11-13 Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Orlando, FL MAHRO Annual Conference—August 17-19 Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MS CCHRCO Annual Conference 2016—August 18 - August 23 Myrtle Beach, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC
2016 SERCulator Deadlines Spring...................... April 1 Summer.................... July1 Fall................ September1 Winter..........December 1
AAHRA Annual Conference—August 22-24 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Sandestin, FL
SEPTEMBER 2016
KHA Annual Conference—September 12-14 Holiday Inn, Bowling Green, KY WVHRA Fall Annual Conference—September 13-15 Glade Springs Resort in Daniels, WV TAHRA Annual Conference—September 17-20 Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center, Kingsport, TN GAHRA Annual Conference—September 18-21 Destin, FL MAHRO Executive Retreat—September 21-23 Natchez Grand Hotel, Natchez, MS
november 2016
SERC-NAHRO Fall Workshop—November 6-8 The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
DECEMBER 2016
KHA Executive Conference—December 11-14 Embassy Suites, Lexington, KY
SERCulator Copies Each SERC member receives one FREE copy of the SERCulator. Additional copies: $7.50 each Discounted yearly rate: $25.00 subscription Please complete and return the subscription form on page 34 of this issue of the SERCulator!