Edinburg Housing Authority 2014 Annual Report

EDINBURG HOUSING AUT AUTHORITY HORITY Serving Families Since 1949

2014 ANNUAL REPORT A publication of the Edinburg Housing Authority.

“Change Starts With Us.” EHA Youth Leadership Association

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.�

Chinese Proverb

OUR MISSION With more than 65 years of service, the Edinburg Housing Authority takes pride in providing assistance to those who need it most in the Rio Grande Valley.

As a result, throughout the years we have focused our agency’s efforts and resources to ensure struggling low-income families with an equal opportunity to obtain safe, decent and affordable public housing, and thus improve their quality of life.

But even though we help hundreds of families in need, we realize that to truly help impoverished residents rise out of poverty and better themselves our agency has to do much more than providing them with a place to live.

As a result, in addition to providing housing for our residents we have now made it our mission to promote self-sufficiency throughout the agency and do everything in our power to help those we serve develop the necessary work skills and education to succeed and ultimately provide for their loved ones on their own.

With dedication, integrity and compassion we take pride in helping our residents each and every day. We believe and ardently hope that through every family we help we make a difference in the present and someday future of the city of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley.

Richard H. Garcia

MAYOR

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR For more than 65 years the Edinburg Housing Authority has consistently done an outstanding job serving low-income families in the Rio Grande Valley. As one of the largest public housing authorities in South Texas, its work has provided affordable housing for thousands of residents in our city.

In light of the Edinburg Housing Authority’s relentless efforts and commitment to the city, this 2014 Annual Report offers a glimpse into the agency’s operations, personnel and their events held throughout the year.

Within its pages, I trust you will ďŹ nd information indicating the spirit of a hard-working agency dedicated to not only provide housing assistance to low-income residents, but becoming a helping hand that facilitates their development of necessary skills to succeed on their own and ultimately guides them towards self-sufficiency. Like I have, I believe you will discover that the Edinburg Housing Authority is a vital component and generous contributor to our community due to its infusion of construction related dollars to the economy and its incredible service to those who need it most.

With this said, I would like to give special thanks to the Edinburg City Council and various city departments for their constant support to the Edinburg Housing Authority and the people of the Rio Grande Valley.

Thanks to your help, the agency is able to continue offering Edinburg families and seniors the chance to live in a safe and affordable home where they can pursue educational opportunities and employment.

Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez Executive Director

“Change Starts With Us” A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The end of another great year has come and as a result the time to reflect on the accomplishments of the Edinburg Housing Authority is upon us. As I reflect on our achievements during 2014, I look forward to the new year with great optimism. As the Executive Director of the Edinburg Housing Authority, I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by an excellent staff and caring professionals. Working together to achieve our year year-round goals, we strived to revolutionize and redefine public housing in ways never done before in our region and

through

our

dedication

we

have

made

our

agency

one

of

the

best

in

Texas.

As we have emphasized in our actions throughout 2014, change starts with us us.. With cooperative efforts from various community agencies, the Edinburg Housing Authority has worked to transform public housing by successfully implementing educational, cultural and physical fitness programs that benefit the resident families living within our five developments: Albores Courts, Viviendas Manuel L. Ramirez, El Jardin, Lantana and La Posada. Due to our commitment to serve our residents, the agency has strived to become a helping hand for residents and encourage them to pursue better and healthier lifestyles. Aware that education is the key to success, during the year we sought to raise the educational standards of our residents by implementing educational programs like tutoring, GED, music, art, leadership and bilingual classes throughout our developments. Additionally, due the high obesity rate in South Texas, the Edinburg Housing Authority strived to carve a pathway for its resident families to live healthy lifestyles by promoting physical fitness and nutrition through various events like folkloric dance, community gardening and even Zumba.

But despite our numerous accomplishments, our agency is aware that much more can be done to better serve our residents in the coming year. As a result, our goal is to continue developing warm, close working relationships with esteemed community partners to further enhance the educational, cultural, and physical fitness services we offer. We also plan to continue actively engaging in productive dialogue with leaders in Austin, Texas and Washington D.C. in our commitment to support legislation that positively impacts the housing industry here and throughout the nation. Today I am proud to say that the Edinburg Housing Authority is one of the best in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley but this would not be possible without the efforts of everyone at the Edinburg Housing Authority. Because of this, I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who played a role in making this a great year. Working hard in 2015, we hope and pray the coming year brings bigger and even better changes.

AGENCY SUMMARY A safe, stable and affordable home is the foundation for building stronger families and stronger communities.

HOUSING PROGRAMS Public Housing Owns and manages 367 Public Housing units in 5 properties: Albores Courts, El Jardín, Lantana, La Posada, Viviendas M. Ramirez.

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Administer rental vouchers to 970 Edinburg families.

Tax Credit Property The Edinburg Towers house 100 elderly/disabled families with 25 apartments under the Public Housing program and 75 apartments under the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8).

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Joe Rodriguez

Armando Barrera

Eduardo “Ed” Gonzalez

Chairman

Vice-Chairman

Commissioner

Cris Torres

Juan Guzman

Commissioner

Resident Commissioner

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

Rodolfo Ramirez (Executive Director), Elizabeth Rodriguez (Administrative Assistant)

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Left to right: Richard Christian (Accounting) , Rodolfo Ramirez (Executive Director), Olga L. Regalado (Section 8), Liz Hernandez (Public Housing), Elizabeth Rodriguez

SECTION 8 DEPARTMENT

Left to Right: Patricia Garcia (Caseworker), Olga L. Regalado (Supervisor), Yuri Trevino (Caseworker), Susie de la Garza, Front: Aureliano Martinez (Inspector)

ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT

Robert Hernandez (Accounts Payable), Maria Monroy (Procurement Officer) Richard Christian (Supervisor)

PUBLIC HOUSING DEPARTMENT

Left to right: Alejandro Pequeno (Development Manager), Gracie Mujica, Zulema Garcia (Development Manager), Liz Hernandez (Supervisor) Phillip Gama (Application Intake) Robert Briones (Inspector/Clerk)

JANITORIAL DEPARTMENT

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT Pureza Guerrero and America Perez

Left to Right/Back: Cesar Alvarado, Julio Bautista, Nicolas Barajas, Agustin Miranda, Jorge Coria, Edgar Flores, Eric Aranda (Supervisor) Left to Right/Front: Santos Hernandez, David Santibanez, Librado Zuniga, Arturo Arredondo, Daniel Villagomez

PUBLIC HOUSING WHO WE SERVE Of elderly and /or disabled households.

The average monthly rent assisted households pay is The average annual income of assisted households.

The average time housing households, non non--elderly/ non non--disabled utilize housing assistance is about

Of assisted households have children.

SECTION 8

Through this program, eligible families have the opportunity to search for their own house, apartment, or mobile home within the city of Edinburg, Texas and it’s Extra Territorial Jurisdiction. Qualifying households are able to obtain adequate rental housing while paying up to at least 30 percent of their income for rent.

Of elderly and /or disabled households.

The average monthly rent assisted households pay is Is the average annual income of assisted households.

The average time housing households, non-elderly/ non-disabled utilize housing assistance is about

Of assisted households have children.

s Story s e c c u S 8 A Section

Ho Hous using ing Ch Choic e oice uche Progra gram Vouc herr Pro m

GEORGINA MARQUEZ “Education is the movement from darkness to light.”

– Allan Bloom

T

he Edinburg Housing Authority Section 8 is very proud of Georgina Marquez and her accomplishments. When she first applied for EHA’s Section 8, Georgina Marquez had no idea what her future had in store for her. At the time, she was unemployed with four children and living with her mother.

Unfortunately, while her mother could support them financially until Georgina found a job, she told her to find somewhere else to live. At this point, Georgina feared not being able to support her children. “I was scared, I was not sure if I was going to make it on my own,” she shared.

As she signed the Section 8 contract, Ms. Regalado the supervisor, offered her assistance to register in the WorkInTexas website so she could search for job opportunities. It was during the registration that Ms. Regalado learned that Georgina did not have any certifications, diplomas or degrees except for her high school diploma.

Seeing this Ms. Regalado told her, “Education is important Ms. Marquez, that piece of paper is your key to success.” She informed Georgina of Southern Career Institute (SCI), a nearby school that offered short career training programs and registered her for orientation. Despite being hesitant because she had not been in school for several years, she courageously started the Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Program.

“It had been a long time since I stepped foot in a classroom, “ Georgina shared. “I was nervous.

Despite her initial fear, 9 months later Georgina graduated from SCI. She worked part-time in Wal-Mart while she waited for SCI to help her find a suitable job for her certificate until finally, three weeks later she got a call that changed her life forever.

Thanks to her education certificate, Georgina was offered a full-time managerial position at a nearby nursing home with a starting annual salary of $45,760 and benefits for her and her family.

“So far, I am loving the job and plan to stay there for a long time,” she said.

While pursuing to further her education took a lot of commitment from Georgina, she is incredibly grateful to the EHA for their assistance.

“I am beyond thankful to the Edinburg Housing Authority’s Section 8 Program for offering me a helping hand when I needed it the most,” she expressed.

CHANGING RESID RESIDE ENT LIVES THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS & EDUCATION Due to his background in education, Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez’ visionary leadership has resulted in the creation of programs focusing on educational activities for EHA families.

For the first time in the history of the Edinburg Housing Authority partnerships with local agencies have been established to provide classes and activities throughout the five properties.

STRIVING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EHA and the University of Texas-Pan American have initiated collaborative efforts to assist housing residents and encourage them to become self-sufficient. The following were the efforts achieved during 2014:

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Worked with EHA to develop better relationships with Resident Councils.

SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY Assisted with nutrition and weight loss for EHA staff. Additionally, it supported and participated with EHA residents and staff in the City of Edinburg’s 10k runs.

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Through this collaboration, UTPA students were able to complete internships by working with residents in need of assistance.

UPCOMING EXPANSION OF SERVICES: School of English/Linguistics * School of Business * School of Public Administration, MPA Program

PARTNERSHIPS   

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City of Edinburg Edinburg CISD Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service Deep South Texas Master Gardeners Association Music, Dance, & Art Boys & Girls Club Hidalgo County Head Start

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Edinburg Dance Theatre LecturAmerica UTPA Edinburg City Forrester Edinburg Parks & Recreation Edinburg Community Development & Grants Management Department Folkorico Dance

CHANGES FROM WITHIN

EHA is committed to taking all the necessary actions to ensure it’s residents are getting the proper assistance. To do so it provides tools and constant opportunities to train and educate its staff via online and/or classroom settings. Throughout the year, education and training for staff development has been provided by the following agencies:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Nelrod Company Nan McKay and Associates Inc. TenMast Online Software Training The University of Texas – Pan American – Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program

RESIDENT SERVICE INITIATIVES OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR

LEGO SUMMER CAMP

RECONNECTING FAMILIES The Reconnecting Families and Dads Initiative reunited EHA kids with their dads on Father’s Day.

EHA’s 12th Annual Back to School Fair collected school supplies from the community to give to students.

The LEGO Children’s fund awarded EHA a $5,000 grant for the DreamIt Plan-It Make –It STEM Camp.

TURKEY GIVEAWAY

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

2ND ANNUAL TOY DRIVE With the help of community partners EHA collected and gave toys to more than 500 kids.

With the help of volunteers and community partners EHA donated turkeys to families for Thanksgiving.

EHA hosted it’s 2nd Annual Halloween Festival at the Albores Courts Oscar Diaz Gym.

CLASSES WE OFFER

TUTORING

COMPUTER

ESL

FOLKLORIC

ZUMBA

MUSIC

OTHER SERVICES

LIBRARY RESOURCES

AMERICA READS

PROJECT INSIGHT

PHYSICAL FITNESS

ART

STEM

HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS Thanks to funds received from the Capital Fund Recovery Act, great changes occurred at the Edinburg Housing Authority in 2014.

NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN AT LA POSADA 900 N. 1st Ave., Edinburg, Texas During the Spring, residents in La Posada were able to enjoy a new garden.

REPAVEMENT OF PARKING LOTS Lantana, El Jardin, Ramirez, and La Posada Also in the spring, EHA repaved the parking lots of 4 of its developments.

NEW DOOR HARDWARE IN ALL EHA Lantana, El Jardin, Ramirez, Albores Courts, and La Posada In addition, EHA also replaced all entry and back door hardware bolts and locks in all of its properties.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YE YEAR AR EHA IS DESIGNATED A “HIGH PERFORMER”

EHA

HIGH PERFORMER

For the fourth consecutive year, EHA was designated a “High Performer” by the Public Housing Assessment System.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND SUMMER FIELD TRIP

SPI TRIP

Students that actively participated in the EHA’s Summer Activities Program were able to attend the Coastal Lab South Padre Island field trip. During the field trip, students had the opportunity to dissect a shark and learn about sea turtles thanks to a visit to Sea Turtle, Inc. at the island.

THREE EHA STUDENTS WIN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COLLEGE

EDUCATION

Alvety Tuma, Ruben Aldair Lara, and Elva Treviño, three EHA students, received scholarships from the Southwest Regional Council of the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Scholarship Committee.

MORE HIGHLIGHTS...

SECTION 8 ALSO DESIGNATED A “HIGH PERFORMER”

HIGH PERFORMER

SECTION 8

Section 8 was also designated High Performer in their Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP). SEMAP helps HUD target monitoring and assistance to PHA programs that need the most improvement.

AWARD WINNING STAFF & BEST ANNUAL REPORT

AWARD WINNERS

In 2014, several board members received Southwest NAHRO Awards and were recognized at a Board Meeting in July.

Additionally, the “Best Annual Report” was awarded to the Edinburg Housing Authority.

SOUTHWEST NAHRO AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Armando Barrera Vice-Chairman

“EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR”

“COMMUNITY SERVICE MEMBER OF THE YEAR”

Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez

Martin Martinez

RECIPIENTS

“COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR”

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31,2014 (UNAUDITED) Operation Revenues Tenant Revenue Grants Other Revenue Total Operating revenue

$628,379 $4,727,275 $192,826 $5,548,480

Operating Expenses Administrative Expenses

$1,407,646

Ordinary Maintenance & Operations

$993,216

Housing Assistance Payments

$88,836

Protective Services

$97,590

Tenant Services

$84,551

Utilities

$155,308

General Expenses

$155,308

Total Operating Expenses

$5,671,302

Operating Income (Loss)

($122,822)

Interest Expense Depreciation Expense (noncahsh) Extraordinary items Excess (Deficiency) Operating Revenue

($11,699) ($326,530) $0 $461,051

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31,2014 (UNAUDITED) Assets

Current Assets Capital Assets (net) Other Assets Total Assets

$2,127,218 $6,091,866 $0 $8219,084

Liabilities and Net Assets Current Liabilities

$599,700

Noncurrent Liabilities

$509,944

Total Liabilities

Net Assets Invested in Capital Assets, net of related Debt Restricted Net Assets

$1,109,644

$84,551 $5,281,230 $387,912

Unrestricted Net Assets

$1,440,298

Total Net Assets

$7,109,440

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

$8,219,084

98 Units Formed in 1949 Andy Borglin Community Center Coin-operated Laundromat On-site Head Start Program Center Oscar Diaz Gymnasium

220 S. 25th St. Edinburg     

50 units – 25 elderly, 25 family Formed in 1964 Tito Galvan Community Center On-site playground Coin-operated Laundromat 504 N. 22nd St. Edinburg    

69 units – 34 elderly, 35 family Formed in 1979 A Vision For You (On-site counseling services) Kara Shearer Learning Center

900 S. Veteran’s Blvd.

Edinburg  76 units  Formed in 1971  Estella L. Trevino Community Center  On-site Head Start Center  Basketball court/pavilion  Coin-operated Laundromat 1200 N. 1st St., Edinburg      

900 N. 1st St., Edinburg

74 units Formed in 1971 Sam Risica Community Center On-site Boys & Girls Club Center Basketball court/pavilion Coin-operated Laundromat

ALBORES COURTS * EL JARDIN * VIVIENDAS M. RAMIREZ * LANTANA * LA POSADA

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CHANGE MAKES HEADLIN HEADLINES ES

To fight hunger in children out of school during the summer, the Edinburg Consolidated School District provided students at EHA’s Lantana Development with breakfast and lunch meals during the Public Housing Sumer Program.

Several Board Members including Vice Chairman Armando Barrera and Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez received awards from Texas Southwest NAHRO in August, 2014.

Alvety Tuma, Ruben Lara and Elva Trevino all EHA residents received scholarships from the Southwest Regional Council of the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials in May 23, 2014.

More than 500 kids received toys this Christmas thanks to the collaboration of community partners during EHA’s 2nd Annual Toy Drive. The toy drive’s success resulted in a surplus of toys that were later donated by the EHA’s Youth Leadership Association to immigrant refugee children in Sacred Heart Church.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

―-John Holmes 910 S. Sugar Road Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 383 3839 FAX: (956) 380 6308 www.edinburgha.org