The Tampa Housing Authority has been named a 2012 recipient of several National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials Merit Awards for programs and services that have enhanced and/or changed the lives of its’ residents and the Tampa Bay community at large.
Jerome Ryans, President/CEO said, “I am so very proud of all of the initiatives that we have been able to implement as a way to provide a continuum of extraordinary service to our residents and this community. We are well on our way to becoming the best housing authority in the state due to the commitment of our dedicated staff.”
THA received seventeen (17) Awards of Merit; as indicated by the * four (4) have also been nominated for an Award of Excellence:
1. *Moses White Estates Redevelopment, a LEED gold community
2. *Installation of the J.L. Young Solar Photovoltaic System, reducing energy consumption and lowering tenant utility bills.
3. J.L. Young In - House Hotel Plan (innovative system of relocating residents during property renovation)
4. Housing Choice Voucher Program Re-orientation aimed at reducing the number of terminations and the burden of repeat offences and program abuse.
5. *The Margaret A. Fisher Scholarship Program agency’s Scholarship Program which provides scholarships to eligible public and assisted housing students. Past recipients have received monetary awards, laptops and luggage.
6. The Agency Management Report (2011) a comprehensive report of all THA departments that is distributed to all of its associated invested publics.
7. HCV (Housing Choice Voucher) quarterly newsletter to communicate frequent issues, program and agency updates.
8. Monthly SEMAP (Section 8 Management Assessment Program); instead of a quarterly review this is now being done monthly to provide an opportunity to find and correct errors and reassess procedures on a more regular basis.
9. HCV 100% audit of Program files to comply with and enhance RIM an SEMAP scores and assure federal dollars are used efficiently; this enabled staff to address areas of weakness and increase accuracy.
10. Annual Elder Affairs Day Program (Older American Month celebration) provided opportunity for more than 400 seniors from THA and Hillsborough County to be honored for their participation in senior programs. The 3-tiered event included a formal program, health vendors, food, raffles, music and was both indoors and outdoors.
11. Elderly Services Comprehensive Health, Wellness and Social Services Programs that identify high priority needs of senior citizens with disabilities and bridging service gaps by combining housing, medical and supportive services to allow seniors to age in place, prolong independent living and maintain a quality of life.
12. Senior Cabaret - increases the social interaction for approximately 650 THA seniors. This annual evening event provides dinner, transportation and entertainment for the seniors from all THA properties.
13. The 2011 Fatherhood Initiative - a HUD encouraged program that honors and recognizes the role of Fathers. This event drew participation from more than 300 and included a brief recognition program, family activities, refreshments and vendors. HUD representatives from the local and regional offices were in attendance as well.
14. ROSS (Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency Program) allows service coordinators to provide supportive services and other activities to help residents attain economic and housing self-sufficiency.
15. The Youth-build Program - balances school learning, focused on passing the GED and construction skills training geared towards a career placement for the youth.
16. Housing Choice Voucher Landlord/Owner Participation Program; made owner orientation workshops mandatory for continued and initial participation in the program.
17. *Electronic Quality Control Monitoring of Tenant Files (Section 8 program) as a way to increase efficiency and space.
Betsey Martens, NAHRO President said “NAHRO members are leading the way in creating and implementing innovative solutions to address resident services, management and operations, housing preservation and economic revitalization issues in their communities and we are proud to recognize their achievements.”
The Housing Authority of the City of Tampa promotes the development and professional managements of a variety of affordable housing opportunities, facilities and supportive services to nurture our neighborhoods, provide economic development and self-sufficiency activities for residents while also assuring equal access to safe, quality housing for low and moderate income families throughout the community.
NAHRO, established in 1933 is a membership organization of over 23,000 housing and redevelopment agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low-income.
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