Latest news with #PublicHousingProgram
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Angela Jiménez, Housing Authority High Point CEO, Supports Community Growth Through Safe Housing and Supportive Programs
The Housing Authority of the City of High Point (HPHA) has spent more than eight decades working to provide affordable housing and support services to individuals and families in need. What began in 1940 as a local initiative to deliver safe and sanitary housing for low-income citizens has grown into a broad network of programs designed to promote economic mobility, housing stability, and community development. Based in High Point, North Carolina, the agency oversees more than 3,000 housing units and vouchers throughout the city. These include 1,146 units under the Public Housing Program, 1,812 tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers, and 101 Section 8 New Construction units. Its services are regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners. The organization's mission is to provide eligible families with adequate, affordable housing and access to economic advancement and homeownership opportunities in safe, drug-free environments. Their efforts reach beyond housing to include educational, financial, and community programming that directly impacts residents' daily lives and future prospects. Angela Jiménez: Leading Where She Once Lived Angela Jiménez leads the HPHA not only as its Chief Executive Officer but also as someone who once called its housing programs home. Born and raised in public housing in High Point, Jiménez once participated in the same programs she now oversees. After earning her high school diploma in Gainesville, Florida, Jiménez served in the U.S. Army and later earned a certification from Brookstone College. She went on to attend High Point University, where she completed both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration. Jiménez began her career with the HPHA in 2003, serving in several different capacities before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer. She then served as Executive Director of the Rockingham Housing Authority before returning in 2010 to accept the position of CEO. Her appointment marked a historic milestone as the first woman to lead the agency since its founding. A Professional Track Record of Public Service Jiménez brings extensive experience in the housing industry to her role. Her credentials include certifications in HUD Public Housing, Section 8 programs, tax credits, mixed finance, and assisted housing management. Among her professional designations are Certified Property Manager (CPM), Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), and Graduate of the REALTOR Institute (GRI). Licensed as both a North Carolina Realtor and a Real Estate Broker-in-Charge, she also holds credentials as a Certified Housing Counselor, North Carolina Workforce Specialist, and Notary Public. Her community involvement includes service on numerous boards and committees, such as the City of High Point Planning & Zoning Commission, United Way of Greater High Point, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and several regional and national housing organizations. Throughout her career, Jiménez has earned several recognitions for her work, including Business Woman Extraordinaire of High Point, Women Pioneers of the Triad, and Minority Achievers' Corporate Executive. She is also a graduate of Leadership High Point. Making Housing Accessible in High Point The HPHA offers a wide variety of housing options for people and families who qualify. Its public housing includes single-family homes, garden apartments, duplexes, townhomes, and high-rises, with units ranging from studios to six bedrooms. Families are matched with units based on household size and how much space they need. The agency also helps low-income households—especially seniors and people with disabilities—afford rent in the private market through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Most families pay between 30 and 40 percent of their income toward rent, and HPHA covers the rest by sending payments straight to landlords. To qualify, rental units must pass a housing inspection and meet fair rent standards set by the agency. Vouchers can be used for rentals or, in some cases, to help buy a modest home. The agency continues to provide new vouchers as they become available and encourages more landlords to join the program. Landlords benefit from reliable payments, extra security if a tenant's income changes, and access to a larger pool of renters who tend to stay long-term. Local Services That Make a Difference For many residents, housing is just the beginning. The HPHA also offers programs that help individuals and families build brighter futures. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program supports residents in public housing and voucher programs as they work toward goals like better employment, higher income, and financial stability. Each participant is matched with an FSS Caseworker for one-on-one support and has the opportunity to save money in a special escrow account. As their income grows and rent increases, HPHA sets aside a portion of the difference into the account. Families who complete the program can use those savings for major expenses such as buying a car, paying off debt, or purchasing a home. Workforce development opportunities are made possible through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the City of High Point. These grants support job training and help residents build long-term careers. In addition, the HPHA provides HUD-approved housing counseling services. These include rental education, credit support, foreclosure prevention, and guidance for first-time homebuyers. An annual housing fair connects residents with local programs and service providers who can help them move toward their housing goals. Each of these resources helps residents achieve greater stability and independence. Uplifting the Next Generation HPHA supports young residents with programs that encourage education, leadership, and personal growth. From after-school activities to summer enrichment, these opportunities help students stay engaged and build valuable skills for the future. Current activities include the on-site Boys & Girls Club at Carson Stout Homes, as well as the ARTZ Club and Big Chair Chess Club. Youth can take part in the Summer Food and Summer Enrichment Programs, receive academic tutoring through High Point LEAP, and develop financial literacy through the SOAR initiative. Little Free Libraries placed throughout HPHA communities also promote a love of reading by making it easier to access books. To recognize former residents who have stepped up as leaders and made a lasting impact in their communities, HPHA launched the Pillars of Fame program in 2005. Nominees are chosen for their civic involvement and their commitment to serving as mentors to current residents. Angela Jiménez—City of High Point Housing Authority CEO—was once honored as an inductee herself. In 2014, the agency introduced the Rising Star Award to celebrate high school juniors and seniors in HPHA programs who excel in the classroom and give back through extracurricular and community service. Eligible students must maintain a high GPA and complete a personal essay as part of the application. The Seeds-to-Success Endowment Fund Scholarship adds another layer of support by offering $500 in need-based tuition assistance for college or trade school. To apply, students must meet academic and service requirements and share their personal definition of success in a short essay. These programs highlight HPHA's ongoing commitment to helping young residents grow, opening doors not just for education, but for lifelong leadership and opportunity. Looking Ahead: HPHA's Role in City Revitalization Beyond daily housing assistance, the HPHA plays a major role in citywide redevelopment. One of its most transformative projects began in 1999, when the agency secured a $20 million HOPE VI revitalization grant to replace the aging Springfield Townhomes. That resulted in Spring Brook Meadows, a $60 million mixed-use community that includes 44 senior rental units, 118 single-family homes, a YMCA, a daycare center, sports fields, and a golf course. As part of the same initiative, HPHA also redeveloped the former Clara Cox Homes site. Renamed Park Terrace, the site now features 250 units of mixed-income housing completed in three phases. A more recent redevelopment is underway at Daniel Brooks Homes, originally built in 1942 and the oldest property in HPHA's inventory. Following HUD approval and a $6.5 million housing bond secured from the City of High Point, the agency plans to demolish 246 units and relocate 216 families. The redevelopment plan includes 100 new mixed-income units on-site and 164 additional units built off-site. Laurel Street, the developer behind Park Terrace, will lead the project. Residents who participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency program will have priority to return to the new housing once construction is complete. A Legacy of Community Impact Under the leadership of Angela Jiménez, the HPHA continues to provide stability, opportunity, and long-term support to the residents it serves. Its programs span housing, education, redevelopment, and community services, each designed to meet people where they are and help them take the next step forward. From working with landlords to expanding career training and youth development, the agency's efforts go beyond providing housing. They give residents the tools to become more self-sufficient and improve their overall quality of life. Many of these efforts are supported through community contributions. Donations help fund programs like school supply drives, book stipends, scholarships, youth sports, and STEM learning opportunities. Supporters are recognized in a variety of ways, including in annual reports, at events, or through named sponsorships. Together, these ongoing efforts reflect the agency's long-standing commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities throughout the city of High Point. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CBS News
15-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Denver Housing Authority opens public housing pre-applications amid soaring demand
Families, seniors, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply starting Friday for the Public Housing Program. The search for affordable housing continues to be a challenge for many Denver residents, but starting this Friday, the Denver Housing Authority is offering a new opportunity for relief. Beginning May 16, DHA will open its public housing pre-application process, allowing eligible families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to apply for income-based housing assistance. The Tapiz apartment complex in Denver CBS Outside of the Tapiz apartment complex, 74-year-old Elva Chavez is a familiar and joyful face. "It's a blessing," Chavez said of her apartment, where she's lived for the past 13 years, paying under $800 a month. Her home is part of the DHA's public housing program, which provides "affordable rent tailored to income levels." According to Joshua Crawley, chief operating officer for DHA, more than 10,000 residents currently live in the city's 6,000 affordable housing units. The agency is actively expanding. "We have brought, and will be bringing, three buildings with over 500 units of affordable housing in the Sun Valley neighborhood," Crawley said. "In the last year, we've added two more, totaling over 700 units." Still, he admits that demand far exceeds supply. "It's just a drop in the bucket of what's needed," he said. For Chavez, the program has meant more than just a place to live—it's given her peace of mind. "I just want to live peacefully and affordably," she said. Applications must be submitted online at Denver Housing Authority Additional Information from DHA: In-person data entry assistance will be available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1401 Mariposa St. in Denver, excluding holidays. Assistance will not be available after the deadline. For help, call 720-932-3021. Eligibility Categories for Public Housing Applications Applicants may apply under the following categories: 1. Family A family with children. A temporary absence of a child placed in foster care (90 days or less) will not affect family size or composition. Proof of guardianship is required. Two or more people sharing a residence, including at least one person age 18 or older, whose income and resources are available to support the household. Individuals must be related by blood, marriage, law, or demonstrate a stable family relationship for at least six months. 2. Disabled Family A family where the head of household, spouse, or sole member is a person with disabilities; or two or more people with disabilities living together; or a person with disabilities living with one or more live-in aides. 3. Non-Elderly Disabled Persons An individual with a disability who is younger than 62. 4. Elderly Family A family where the head, spouse, or sole member is at least 62 years old; or two or more individuals aged 62 or older living together; or one or more individuals aged 62 or older living with one or more live-in aides. 5. Elderly Person An individual who is at least 62 years old. Application Instructions: Only one online submission per household is allowed. Multiple entries will not be accepted. All required fields must be completed; incomplete applications will be rejected. Applicants must provide the Social Security numbers of the head and co-head/spouse, as well as the total household income and income types for all members. After submission, applicants should print and keep the confirmation page and pre-application number for reference. Any address changes must be submitted in writing to: DHA Occupancy & Admissions Department 1401 Mariposa St. Denver, CO 80204 Include your name, Social Security number, pre-application number, and new address. Categories Not Eligible for Pre-Application: Public housing pre-applications are not available for the following: Single Person An individual who lives or intends to live alone and is not elderly, disabled, displaced, or a remaining member of a tenant family. Family Without Children Two or more individuals aged 18 or older sharing a residence, even if related by blood, marriage, or law, or who have lived together for at least six months. Remaining Family Member (DHA Tenant) A remaining family member of a current tenant who does not otherwise meet all DHA eligibility criteria. Displaced Family A person or family displaced by government action or whose home was destroyed or heavily damaged by a federally recognized disaster. Near-Elderly Family A household where the head, spouse, or sole member is between 50 and 61 years old, or a group of individuals in that age range, even if living with a live-in aide.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Abilene Housing Authority relieved after funding freeze rescinded, but uncertainty remains
ABILENE, Texas () – On Monday, January 30, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order to freeze federal funding, government entities across the country raised concerns, including the Abilene Housing Authority. Trump's spending freeze roils Capitol Hill The organization, which runs two main programs—public housing and rental assistance—was just one week away from a payment due date when the news broke. CEO Gene Reed said that when he reviewed the fine print of the order on Tuesday, he sighed in relief. 'The initial notice that was sent out wasn't very detailed in terms of who was going to be paused and who wasn't going to be paused,' Reed said. 'On one of the questions and answers, it specifically mentioned that rental assistance would not be affected. So, we were glad to hear that late in the day.' White House aide says spending freeze isn't being rescinded despite memo The Public Housing Fund, which supports the office's operations, was frozen until the rescind notice was issued on Wednesday. Reed explained that the fund is crucial to their foundational work, as it helps maintain the building they operate from. 'When we talk about our Public Housing Program, we receive an operating subsidy that helps pay for it. Salaries are like bills, our gas bills, our water bills, and all the other line-item expenses that we have,' Reed explained. This decision comes when the Abilene Housing Authority is seeing a rise in local families in need of assistance. Reed noted that they currently serve more than 1,800 families in the area. 'We've seen our waiting lists grow exponentially since COVID,' Reed said. '[The housing market] is cyclical, but we're still in a time where we're seeing high market rents. It definitely is making it challenging for families that we provide subsidies to actually find units.' Is Abilene losing affordable housing options? Low-income tenants face high wait times for placement Despite the rescind notice, Reed said he remains cautious, waiting for the White House's next move. 'We hope we can rely on and trust this last letter that's come out. We have informed the community to continue to watch our website,' Reed said. 'Obviously, for us, we represent a lot of low-income families here in the community, and obviously, they had a lot of apprehensions when they heard about it.' Click here to learn more about the Abilene Housing Authority. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
