Special Edition: WEST ANNISTON IT’S YOUR TIME The Anniston Housing Authority’s Youth Council embarked upon another year to celebrate the pioneers of yesterday through the youth of today. Voices echoed the walls of Carver Community Center as the youth performed recitations, praise dances and songs for the celebration of Black His- tory month; a historical event started by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in the 1920’s. Dr. Woodson was born to parents of former slaves and enrolled in high school at age twenty. He graduated in two years and went on to earn his Ph.D. from Harvard. He noticed in his studies that history books ignored the black American population un- less it reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the time. Dr. Woodson took on the challenge of writ- ing black Americans into the nation’s histo- ry. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national at- tention to the contributions of black people throughout American history. He chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birth- days of two men who greatly influenced the black American population: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Today, Black History Month also known as African American Month is celebrated from February 1 to February 28 each year. Which means, 336 days each year are not days without celebrations; but are days used to think of the journey ahead of us. THE INFORMER ANNISTON HOUSING AUTHORITY AHA Board of Commissioners Trudy Munford, Chairperson Penelope Williams, Vice Chairperson Mae Thomas Hall, Commissioner Kathy Dreyer, Commissioner Marcus Dunn, Commissioner Executive Director Willie ‘Sonny’ McMahand INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Letter to Residents 2 Housing Choice Voucher Info 2 HCA Rental Payment 2 Housing Development Corp 2 Upcoming Events -AHA Health Fair 3 -DHR Job Fair 3 -Resume Building Class 3 -AHA Job Fair 2017 3 -Older American Day Celebration 4 -High School Graduation Luncheon 4 -Fatherhood Meeting 4 -AHA Woman’s Day 4 April, May and June 2017 Volume 13 Issue 2 ANNISTON HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FOURTH ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM
Transcript
Special Edition: WEST ANNISTON IT’S YOUR TIME
The Anniston Housing Authority’s Youth
Council embarked upon another year to
celebrate the pioneers of yesterday through
the youth of today. Voices echoed the
walls of Carver Community Center as the
youth performed recitations, praise dances
and songs for the celebration of Black His-
tory month; a historical event started by Dr.
Carter G. Woodson in the 1920’s.
Dr. Woodson was born to parents of former
slaves and enrolled in high school at age
twenty. He graduated in two years and
went on to earn his Ph.D. from Harvard.
He noticed in his studies that history books
ignored the black American population un-
less it reflected the inferior social position
they were assigned at the time.
Dr. Woodson took on the challenge of writ-
ing black Americans into the nation’s histo-
ry. In 1926, he launched Negro History
Week as an initiative to bring national at-
tention to the contributions of black people
throughout American history. He chose
the second week of February for Negro
History Week because it marks the birth-
days of two men who greatly influenced
the black American population: Frederick
Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Today, Black History Month also known as
African American Month is celebrated from
February 1 to February 28 each year.
Which means, 336 days each year are not
days without celebrations; but are days
used to think of the journey ahead of us.
THE INFORMER
ANN ISTON HOUS ING
AUTHORITY
AHA Board
of
Commissioners
Trudy Munford,
Chairperson
Penelope Williams,
Vice Chairperson
Mae Thomas Hall,
Commissioner
Kathy Dreyer,
Commissioner
Marcus Dunn,
Commissioner
Executive Director
Willie ‘Sonny’ McMahand
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Letter to Residents 2
Housing Choice Voucher Info 2
HCA Rental Payment 2
Housing Development Corp 2
Upcoming Events-AHA Health Fair 3-DHR Job Fair 3-Resume Building Class 3-AHA Job Fair 2017 3-Older American Day
Celebration 4-High School Graduation
Luncheon 4-Fatherhood Meeting 4-AHA Woman’s Day 4
April, May and June 2017 Volume 13 Issue 2
ANNISTON HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FOURTH ANNUAL
BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM
The InformerPage 2
REMINDER
Subject: Real Estate Assessment Center (R.E.A.C.) Inspection
Dear Residents of Norwood Homes and Fairview Terrace:
The Anniston Housing Authority will conduct apartment entrances for inspections in preparation for the upcoming R.E.A.C. inspection re-quired by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Entry and inspections will be performed at each apartment and arein direct compliance with the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of September 1998. Pre-Inspections will be conducted begin-ning April 3, 2017. All inspections and/or entries will take place between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM through the coming weeks for approximatelythe next 40 days. The HUD R.E.A.C. Inspector will be here May 11th & 12th for Norwood Homes and Fairview Terrace and will conduct in-spections at random.
The entries and pre-inspections will be conducted by maintenance and/or management as necessary. We will be making repairs through theentire properties in which you live. We will enter ALL apartments. Therefore, it is highly important that all residents continually keep theirapartments prepared for inspections which is in a clean, safe and sanitary condition as required by the lease.
Each pre-inspection will have a heavy emphasis on health and safety violations such as: non-operating smoke detectors, stoves with exces-sive grease build-up and missing parts, blocked (windows and doors) emergency exits. If a room has only one window, that window is con-sidered to be an emergency exit and cannot be blocked by any objects, in any manner. This includes a bed, dresser or other furniture placedin front of the window, or by installing a window air-conditioner or fan in the window, even if it can be easily removed. We will also lookclosely for bugs. Bugs in the apartment are not to be tolerated. If you currently have any maintenance issues, please call 256-236-7544.
Please have your units and yards clean and orderly. If you are aware of any broken glass inside the apartment or on the outside, please re-move it and clean up where needed. This is a very serious health and safety issue. The Anniston Housing Authority hopes this process willnot inconvenience you greatly in any way. Also, parents, please make sure that children that have chalk do not write on any walls. This isconsidered graffiti and can be a fine for the HA. Tell children to only write with chalk on sidewalks during their play time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Stacy ParrisProperty Manager
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (HCV)PROGRAM (SEC. 8)
2017 APPLICATIONS
DO NOT CALL THE OFFICE!
ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL POST INAHA MANAGERS’ OFFICIES,
ANNISTON STAR NEWSPAPER, ANDSOCIAL SERVICE OFFICES
HOBSON CITY APARTMENTSRENTAL PAYMENTS
Residents, the balance on each account isdue each month. Failure to pay may re-sult in lease termination with HCA.
For additional information call Geraldine orAshely at 256-236-1575 ext. 127.
Children, have a Safe and Fun Summer!
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) which is operatedby the Anniston Housing Authority recently completed renova-tions on 2 properties that had been vacant for numerousyears. The HDC recently held a grand opening for 1627 MooreAvenue which was built in 1914. This property was awarded$93,563 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)funding and the HDC added an additional $19,000 in matchingfunds to complete the renovations. Another property that hascompleted renovations is 613 Mulberry Avenue. This propertywas awarded $75,000 in HOME funding and the HDC added anadditional $23,000 in matching funds to complete the renova-tions. HDC is proud of their contributions to the City of Anniston.
Page 3Volume 13 Issue2
AHA 2017 SPRING
HEALTH FAIR
FRIDAY
APRIL 7, 2017
10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
GLEN ADDIE RESIDENT SERVICES500 GLEN ADDIE AVENUE
Quality of Life’s Quality Express II will be here;however you must sign the Quality of Life Con-sent Form by Tuesday, April 4, 2017 to receiveservices. You may stop by your property manag-ers’ office or resident services to complete theconsent form.
For additional information call:Sharon Dunson, Resident Initiative Coordinator256-236-1575 ext. 135
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 19, 2017
9 A.M. –12 P.M.
CALHOUN COUNTY DHR415 WEST 11TH STREETANNISTON, AL 36201
BRING YOUR RESUME COME DRESSED FOR SUCCESS BE INTERVIEW READY
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL:KATHY 256-589-3978GEORGIA 256-310-6780
RESUME BUILDING CLASS
MONDAY
10:00 A.M.
APRIL 3, 2017
APRIL 10, 2017
APRIL 17, 2017
GLEN ADDIERESIDENT SERVICES BUILDING
500 GLEN ADDIE AVENUE
COME AND LEARN INTERVIEWING SKILLS RESUME WRITING HOW TO COMPLETE JOB APPLICATIONS DRESSING FOR THE JOB INTERVIEW
ANNISTON FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE
AND
AHA RESIDENT SERVICES
JOB FAIR 2017FRIDAY
MAY 5, 2017
10:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.
GLEN ADDIE RESIDENT SERVICES500 GLEN ADDIE AVENUE
FOR MORE INFORMATIONCALL: SHARON DUNSON
256-236-1575 EXT. 135
Page 4 The Informer
OLDER AMERICAN MONTH
CELEBRATION
FOR AGES 55 & UP
MAY 23, 2017
THEME: AGE OUT LOUD
GLEN ADDIE RESIDENT SERVICES500 GLEN ADDIE AVENUE
11:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL:SHARON DUNSON256-236-1575 EXT. 135
HIGH SCHOOLGRADUATION LUNCHEON
WEDNESDAY
MAY 31, 2017
11:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
GLEN ADDIE RESIDENT SERVICES500 GLEN ADDIE AVENUE
ANNISTON HOUSING AUTHORITYWANTS TO RECOGNIZE ITS
GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS RE-SIDING ON ANNISTON HOUSING AUTHORI-TY’S PROGRAMS. FOR MORE INFORMATIONCALL: PHILLIP KEITH, 256-236-1575 EXT. 123 ORSHARON DUNSON, 256-236-1575 EXT. 135.
Anniston was once the fourth largest city in Alabama with a population in 1960 of over 33,000 and a thriving industrial and military economy. The 2010 US Census reports the current population at 23,106 representing a 30% loss. As steel production and textile manufacturing moved overseas, thousands of jobs were lost in Anniston. In 1999, the US Army announced the closing of Ft. McClel-lan resulting in the immediate loss of 4,000 military and civilian jobs. Compounding the loss of jobs, both industry and the military left behind extensive environmental degradation. In 1993, the largest and most devastating environmental case-to-date known as the “Monsanto Case” became public. For 40 years, Monsanto manufactured industrial coolants or PCBs discharging the toxic waste into Snow Creek and disposing of PCBs in open-pit landfills located in West Anniston.
Anniston Housing Authority
Anniston Housing Authority (AHA) began operation in 1939 as the 4th established State of Alabama Housing Authority. AHA has endeavored to increase its housing stock in order to better help those requiring housing assistance. The Housing Authority, through its various programs, which include Conventional Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), is providing housing assistance to approximately 1,000 households, with a total of nearly 3,000 persons. Additionally, the housing authority began a non-profit, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), in 2002. Anniston Housing Authority now operates a total of ten housing communities; of which six are located in West Annis-ton.
Our Vision
The Vision of the West Anniston Master Plan to create a vibrant residential community, no longer iso-lated as the “poor side of town”, but connected to the resurgence that is occurring throughout Annis-ton. The overall vision is to provide safe and affordable housing with quality of life amenities that make West Anniston an attractive neighborhood to live and work.
The Transformation Plan
The West Anniston Transformation Plan builds upon extensive planning for the target area shown on the next page. The City of Anniston, the Housing Authority and Anniston City Schools have executed the West Anniston Cooperative Agreement that expresses their commitment to work together to achieve their collective goals for and with the community.
Anniston Housing Authority has received approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Devel-opment to demolish Cooper Homes and relocate the 102 residents into safe and affordable housing units.
Committed to strengthening education and job training for area residents, an education and health and wellness complex will be created on or near the site of Cooper Homes. To strengthen a sense of neighborhood; local area parks will be enhanced, streetscape improvements will be implemented, vacant lots will be reclaimed and recycled into community gardens and pocket parks, and a home-owner and business curb appeal program will be initiated. Also, alternative forms of transportation, including pedestrian facilities, bicycle lanes and public transportation will be developed to create link-ages to employment and activity centers.
Page 3
Page 4
Creating Affordable Housing Where People want to Live,
Work and Succeed
Affordable Housing
The Anniston Housing Authority has received approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to demolish Cooper Homes. All residents have been relocated, Cooper Homes will be demolished by December 31, 2017.
With over 1200 housing units that are vacant, blighted or have tax liens provides an oppor-tunity for the City of Anniston and the Housing Authority to work in tandem, to acquire many of these properties for the transformation of West Anniston.
Abandoned houses and vacant houses are part of a “land bank” that will be used for rede-velopment .
To date, approximately 53 properties have been acquired and 4 units have already been completely restored and leased to residents.
The Housing Authority is currently preparing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to obtain the professional services of a Developer who will have the responsibility of developing afforda-ble housing consistent with the vision described in the West Anniston Master Plan.
Anniston Housing Authority plans to redevelop property in the targeted area with renovated homes, townhomes, and housing for the elderly, handicapped or disabled. The housing au-thority also intends to create home ownership opportunities in the targeted area.
Furthermore, Anniston Housing Authority intends to leverage current funding with addition-al resources and mixed-financing options. Mixed-financed options may include the Low In-come Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC), the Rental Assistance Demonstration program (RAD) and other federal, state, local and private financing options that may be available.
Page 5
Cradle-to-Career
Education Pipeline
Cobb’s Pre-K Academy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Education and Child
Development
Anniston City Schools recently con-verted Cobb Elementary School to the Cobb Pre-K Academy with the ultimate goal of serving all Pre-K students in the school system. Other opportunities will include:
1) Collaborating with Cheaha Re-gional Head Start to enhance early childhood education op-portunities;
2) Developing alternative skills-based high school curriculum;
3) Possibly relocating the middle school and expanding educa-tional opportunities in a campus like setting in West Anniston;
4) Improving access to extracurric-ular activities;
5) Assuring quality and variety among programs; and
6) Increasing parental involvement.
Page 6
Economic Development
The Multimodal Transportation Center located in West Anniston is part of Amtrak’s Southern Crescent Line and also serves as the transpor-tation hub for the local public bus services (ACTS). The city has worked to plan and initi-ate gateway and aesthetic improvements to Mural Park on West 15th Street. These efforts have been partnered with Dr. David Satcher, The Satcher Health Leadership Institute. This improved gateway for the historic district will enhance economic development opportuni-ties coming out of downtown along with a new residential development in West Annis-ton. The city has initiated an incentive pro-gram for new/existing businesses for property
improvements and appearance. The Govern-ment Services Administration has announced that a new $12-14 million Federal Courthouse will be built in one of three locations identified in the downtown core district.
Health and Wellness
Anniston native, Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health established The Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) located at the Morehouse School of Medicine. SHLI has committed to providing guidance and insight towards assessing commu-nity health needs, community outreach efforts and work-ing closely with community partners to promote holistic community wellness. SHLI, Regional Medical Center, the Community Foundation and others, will provide programs specifically targeted to improve mortality rates and in-crease wellness. In West Anniston, the city has renovated the Carver Community Center and Park, constructed a Wellness Trail, and is moving forward in acquiring old rail corridor to construct a seven mile extension of the Chief Ladiga Trail. This pedestrian and bicycle trail will extend 109 miles from the Anniston Multimodal Transportation Center (located in West Anniston) to the Atlanta Metropol-itan Area. Coldwater Mountain, a 10,000 acre Forever Wild Property, is being developed as a world class moun-tain biking facility. Its 60 acre trailhead is located in the West Anniston Project Area.
Wellness Trail
Carver Community Center
Page 7
Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a five year HUD initiative designed to assist eligible families living on government subsidized property in achieving eco-nomic independence through education and employ-ment. Once employed, a percentage of the rent in-crease is credited in to an escrow account. Upon com-pletion of the program, the Family Self-Sufficiency participant receives a check with the escrow balance which may assist with homeownership.
Employment and Training Program gives residents and other interested individuals the opportunity to receive exposure to various trades: dry wall/painting, plumbing, electrical, heating/air conditioning, car-pentry, floor tile, and appliance repair. Participants in the Employment Training Program will have an oppor-tunity to receive employment through the Anniston Housing Authority’s Section 3 Program. The Section 3 Program is a HUD program that provides employ-ment training and contracting opportunities to low-income persons, particularly those individuals who are recipients of government assistance for housing.
Anniston Housing Authority Programs and Services
Anniston’s Fatherhood Initiative (AFI) is a group of men who resides in the Anniston area that are committed to making positive impact on men and their children. Their Vision is to create the oppor-tunity for fathers and/or men to have a positive impact on children and the community in which they live. The core focus areas are: education/self-awareness, communication/relationship, financial issues and health & wellness. Their goal is to im-plement an action plan to address the core focus areas through collaboration with those in the pub-lic and private sector that are willing to commit their vision.
Two FSS participants received certificates and gift baskets after completing Parenting Class
Dry wall repair and painting class
Annual Anniston Fatherhood Initiative Brunch
Page 8
Anniston Housing AuthorityP.O. Box 2225500 Glen Addie AvenueAnniston, AL 36202-2225
Phone: 256-236-1575Fax Number: 256-236-3981
Partnerships and Stakeholders
Anniston Housing AuthorityTrudy Munford, Chairperson, Board of CommissionersWillie “Sonny” McMahand, Executive Director
City of Anniston
The Honorable Jack Draper, MayorW. Kent Davis, City Manager
Anniston City SchoolsRobert Houston, Chairman of the BoardDarren Douthitt, Superintendent
Regional Medical CenterLouis A. Bass, President/CEO/ AnnistonJoseph Weaver, CEO/Jacksonville
