Community Journal by NRHA

COMMUNITY FALL 2011

In This Issue p2

2011 Annual Plan

NAHRO Awards

p3 Grants p3 NSU HBCU Grant p4 Young Gardeners p4 VAHCDO Scholarship p5 Honors Banquet p5 Moton Circle Demolition p6 Sylvia Copeland-Murphy p7 Fire Science Camp p7 Calvert Square p7 Young Terrace p8 2011 TMC Resident Boards

Our Vision

Quality housing choices in neighborhoods where you want to live.

Our Mission

Provide quality housing opportunities that foster sustainable mixed-income communities.

J O U R N A L

A publication for the residents of Norfolk’s assisted-rental neighborhoods

Choice Neighborhood Initiative Planning Grant On March 25, 2011, the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that Norfolk was one of 17 cities to receive a Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) planning grant. Norfolk was awarded $250,000 to plan the transformation of St. Paul’s Quadrant into a sustainable mixeduse, mixed-income neighborhood. The two-year planning grant will allow the City and NRHA to build upon the St. Paul’s Quadrant Vision study and develop a comprehensive neighborhood transformation plan. This plan will establish redevelopment steps, direction, partnerships and organizational leadership necessary for a much larger dollar grant in the future. The grant expands the core planning area northward beyond Tidewater Gardens, Tidewater Park Elementary School and former Downtown Plaza Shopping Center to include the Calvert Square, Lexington Park Apartments, Hunter Square and Olde Huntersville neighborhoods. However, larger-scale planning will focus on St. Paul’s Quadrant allowing NRHA and the City to begin physical redevelopment and enhanced services to Tidewater Gardens residents. CNI replaces HUD’s HOPE VI program in offering a broader transformation to sustainable mixedincome neighborhoods by linking housing improvements with appropriate services, schools, public facilities and amenities as well as transportation and job access. Also included with CNI is one-for-one replacement of “hard” assisted-rental units. Assisted-rental tenants who are in compliance with lease terms at the time of relocation will have a right to return without additional return

criteria being imposed. Committees are being formed to steer housing, people and neighborhood plans. Committee goals are as follows: Housing (develop strategies to turn the area into an energy efficient, mixedincome community, with housing that is physically and financially viable), People (develop a plan that supports positive outcomes for families living in the area, focusing on health, safety, employment, mobility and education and Neighborhood (refocus on neighborhood improvement planning. The committees will conduct outreach efforts with Tidewater Gardens and expanded area residents working closely with Tidewater Gardens Tenant Management Council (TMC) and the larger community. The Vision for St. Paul’s Quadrant is three-pronged. It is to create a neighborhood by replacing public housing units on a one-for-one basis, addressing economic segregation and investing in resources for safe, healthy, rewarding living. Establishing a strong sense of place will be achieved by providing recreation and open space opportunities, addressing stormwater issues and improving community form. Lastly, the area will connect to the city by reconnecting missing links (streets that are interrupted by dead ends or vacant land) and removal of barriers to pedestrian mobility.

2011 Annual

Plan

Drives Quality Housing Opportunities

On June 16, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved NRHA’s Assisted Rental Annual Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011. The plan was previously approved by NRHA’s Board of Commissioners on April 8, 2011. The plan includes information on major goals, objectives and strategies for assisted-rental housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program to achieve the mission of “providing quality housing opportunities that foster sustainable mixedincome communities.” Major goals include: • Leverage private and/or other public funds to support development of additional affordable housing in NRHA-owned communities, such as Grandy Village, Partrea Apartments and Oakmont North. • Conduct annual resident satisfaction surveys. • Achieve a score of 80 or above on the HUD Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) physical inspection of all assistedrental communities. • Conduct feasibility study of converting four midrise apartment complexes (Partrea, Hunter Square, Bobbitt and Sykes Apartments) to project-based HCV. • Identify, develop and acquire revenue-producing properties (e.g., Mission College, Oakmont North and Merrimack Landing). • Pursue energy efficiency and sustainability for all NRHA new construction projects, such as U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Energy Star and Earth Craft. The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) of 1998 requires housing authorities to complete a five-year plan and an annual plan for its assisted-rental properties and HCV program. NRHA has developed its 12th annual plan and entered the third year of its third five-year plan, on July 1, 2011.

NRHA Initiatives NAHRO Awards

Sweep

Nine NRHA initiatives and programs won 2010 National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Awards of Merit. They include: Getting Fit Together (GIFT) GIFT has helped over 100 NRHA residents become healthier through nutritional education and exercise. Girls 2 Women Girls 2 Women mentors girls ages 12-17 to make positive life choices. Grandy Village Transformation The transformation of Grandy Village which includes the environmentally-friendly new Grandy Village Learning Center and learning barge went on to win a National NAHRO Agency Award of Excellence. Village Gardens Senior Apartments Village Gardens senior apartments boast 40 new units on 39th Street, completing NRHA’s goal of providing 100 elderly units in Lamberts Point. Neighborhood Patterns Newsletter Neighborhood Patterns was created as a brief digest of NRHA’s programs and projects distributed to stakeholders, partners, employees and City officials. New Resident Orientation New Resident Orientation educates new residents about their rights and responsibilities, various services offered by NRHA and more. New NRHA Website The www.nrha.us website was revamped with a new look and more user-friendly navigation. NRHA’s 70th Anniversary Campaign NRHA celebrated its 70th anniversary with special branding throughout the year and a birthday party at the Virginia Zoo. The Parenting Connection The Parenting Connection is a mentorship program that enhances parent-child interaction.

Grants So far this year, NRHA has secured competitive federal grants totaling $1.99 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). NRHA will receive $943,000 under the FTA’s Job Access and Reverse Commute ( JARC) and New Freedoms programs as well as $720,000 from HUD for the Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinators Program (ROSS). Earlier this spring NRHA won $194,000 for the Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency program (HCV FSS) and $138,000 for the Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency program (PH FSS). This brings a tital of $1.99 million in competitive federal grants received so far this year for housing services. “This is an important component of our strategy to be a more self-sustaining organization” said NRHA Chief Executive Officer Shurl Montgomery. Specifically that strategy involves growing revenue from new grant and partnership opportunities, implementing retirement incentives for employees eligible for full retirement as well as restructuring efforts to include review of programs, services and positions. NRHA received the largest of four ROSS grants awarded in Virginia. Other recipient organizations are located in Charlottesville, Cumberland and Portsmouth. The JARC program provides transportation services to employment-related activities for lower-income individuals and to transport urban-center residents to suburban employment opportunities as well as to off-peak

NSU Grant to

hour jobs, when transportation options are scarce. The New Freedom program provides additional tools, beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act, to overcome mobility barriers for disabled persons seeking integration into the workforce. The grant will allow residents of NRHA assisted-rental properties to take advantage of these two programs. ROSS program grants provide funding for housing authorities, resident associations and other nonprofit organizations to hire and retain service coordinators who work directly with assisted-rental 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. Service coordinators also connect disabled and elderly residents with support services to promote and maintain independent living. FSS grants provide funding to hire and retain staff to help HCV and assisted-rental households obtain employment that leads to economic independence and self-sufficiency. The staff works with welfare agencies, schools, businesses and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to obtain livingwage employment or increase earned income, reduce or eliminate welfare assistance and progress toward economic independence and housing self-sufficiency. FSS participants are able to establish an escrow account as earned income increases. For more information, call 314-1388 or visit www.nrha.us.

Help Assisted-Rental Residents

Norfolk State University (NSU) was recently awarded an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) program. This grant opens doors of opportunity to a new Women’s Resource Facility to serve the surrounding NSU community. The programs will enhance existing self-sufficiency initiatives implemented to move citizens from subsidized living to unsubsidy. NRHA’s Workforce Development “Business Café” partnered with NSU to offer services outlined in this

grant for residents living in assisted rental communities. The Women’s Resource Facility will provide activities to address barriers that low- to moderate-income women face in becoming homeowners, gaining education as well as maintaining mental and physical health. The Workforce Development “Business Café” at 975 Bagnall Road in Calvert Square, plans, implements and coordinates employment, career and personal development programs. For more information about the Business Cafe’, call Workforce Development at 314-1635. 3

Young Gardeners

Summer Program

The Young Gardeners’ Summer Program (YGSP) grew out of a discussion while planning the 2010 African American Male Focus Conference (AAMF). The plan was to engage young, energetic 10 – 16 year-old males, make use of underused plots of ground in our public housing communities, satisfy a natural curiosity of how things grow, and issue a challenge that “You city boys do not

and training. It also promotes decisionmaking, problem-solving, goal-setting and planning. This program is further designed to promote good nutritional habits and the development of entrepreneurial skills. Goals are being achieved through the selection, motivation, challenge and training of young gardeners to develop not only their minds, but also their physical skills and outdoorsmanship. N R H A’s Wo r k f o r c e Development was so impressed with the potential results of this concept that an official ground breaking ceremony was staged at the 2010 AAMF Conference. This initiated the recruitment of six young men from Calvert Square. Okra, know anything about gardening!” squash, banana peppers, watermelon, The YGSP is designed to be a onions, Swiss chard, zucchini, eggplant, prevention and educational program tomatoes and other greens are being that incorporates interactive learning, harvested as the garden grows and the social skills development, curiosity young gardeners are able to offer fresh and discipline with gardening skills produce to the community. Vegetables

are now being picked weekly and the young gardeners are excited about their results. Along with gardening tips, participants also learn the value of cooperation, patience, group dynamics and organization. The young gardeners actively participated in the Workforce Development sponsored Fathers’ Day Celebration by conducting a garden tour. As the garden flourishes, positive gradual changes have been noted in the young gardeners’ behavior. The Workforce Development planning committee is developing a plan to expand the gardens to other public housing communities, thereby increasing the numbers of young men who participate in the program.

Claudette L. Woodhouse

VAHCDO Scholarship 2011Recipient

On May 12, 2011, Tidewater Gardens resident Claudette Woodhouse was named the recipient of a $2,000 scholarship at the Virginia Association of Housing and Community Development Officials’ (VAHCDO) Annual Scholarship Luncheon. At the time of the award, Claudette was attending Booker T. Washington High School, had a GPA of 3.33 and ranked 17th in a class of 304 students. Claudette’s dream is to become a business and technology teacher. She plans to earn a doctorate in Education. Her commitment to achieving

success has been demonstrated in her participating in extracurricular activities and challenging herself academically. Claudette will attend Old Dominion University. To assist her in reaching this goal with the financial burden lifted, she has also received the largest scholarship award offered through NRHA, the E.L. Hamm fouryear scholarship to ODU. This is a $25,000 award and includes her room and board for freshman year. She believes in personal growth. While in high school she was the head captain of the field hockey

team, Future Business Leaders of America’s Chapter vice president and regional corresponding secretary. Claudette was a member of the Scholastic Bowl team, debate team, Foreign Language Club and a high school aide for Horizons Hampton Roads. Claudette still found time to be involved outside of the school setting participating in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Youth Choir as well as the Delta Gems Program. Claudette views the programs and activities selected as a means of developing leadership and administrative skills.

Annual Recognition of Achievement Banquet

NRHA’s Annual Recognition of Achievement Banquet was held on June 3, 2011, at the Norfolk Airport Hilton Hotel. La Francis Rodgers-Rose, Ph.D., of the International Black Women’s Congress was the keynote speaker. On June 4, the first Youth Recognition of Achievement Banquet took place at the AMF Norfolk Lanes with a special appearance by former Bowling Green resident Dorsett Barnwell, a heavyweight boxer and

winner of the 2006 Junior World Championships bronze medal in Morocco. Thirty-eight elementary, middle and high school students were recognized for making the grade. This year’s celebration honored more than 290 residents in the categories of Volunteering, Honor Roll, Completion of GED, Homeownership, Entrepreneurship, Economic Independence, College Graduation, Scholarships and Training and Employment. NRHA recognizes that many assisted-rental and Housing Choice Voucher students are unable to obtain formal education beyond high school because of financial restrictions; therefore, the annual banquet has a fundraising component

to help supplement costs associated with college or vocational training certification. Twenty scholarships were provided to residents through ticket sales and the generous donations of patrons and sponsors including AfricanAmerican Male Focus 24/7, Alliant Human Services, American Youth Soccer Organization, Brooks Home Improvement, Empower Hampton Roads, Livas Group Architects, Metropolitan Funeral Home, The Joe Jordan Foundation, Resident Services Case Managers, other NRHA employees and private citizens.

Moton Circle Demolition The long-anticipated demolition of Moton Circle came to fruition April 27, 2011. The NRHA Board of Commissioners hosted a picnic lunch following remarks by Mayor Paul Fraim, Vice-Mayor Anthony Burfoot, Congressman Bobby Scott and former residents. Clearance of the 11 acres at 2500 Jamaica Ave. will make way for the further “broadening” of the vibrant Broad Creek mixed-use and mixed-income community. The U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development (HUD) approved NRHA’s application to demolish the 58-year old Moton Circle assisted-rental complex in May 2010.

Following demolition, site planning and obtaining financial commitments, NRHA will construct affordable rental units as well as affordable and market-rate homeownership residences. These new dwellings will accommodate displaced residents who want to return to the community and who meet the criteria for re-occupancy. The preliminary site plan calls for a total of 110-130 rental and homeownership units at final build-out.

Q&A with NRHA’s Client Services Director

Sylvia Copeland-Murphy Sylvia Copeland-Murphy has been named NRHA’s Client Services Director. Copeland-Murphy has more than 15 years of experience in the community services field and has previously served as a Community Resources Officer with the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority. She received her bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University and has held positions with the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Second Chances Program. She is a recipient of the National Counseling Group’s Community Service Award and serves as Assistant Pastor at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Suffolk. What is your motivation for the work that you do? My passion and love for people. I believe when God blesses us it is our job to reach back and be a blessing to others through resources, time, talents and gifts. Your email signature includes the Pastor Jamal Bryant quote, “If you make the mistake of setting your schedule to somebody else’s agenda, you will always end up being late for your own destiny.” What does that quote mean to you? Personal and professional agendas cannot satisfy you; however, passion allows people to acquire their destiny. Passion makes what we do effortless, but agendas carry burdens. What experiences have you had in this field of work that let you know you’ve made a difference? Motivating people to believe they can make a difference whether it is staff, colleagues, friends or the communities we serve. I had the experience of assisting people with opportunities to move from subsidized housing to self sufficiency which is quite rewarding. In addition, assisting residents with funds to go to college has been the climax of working in the Client Services department. Any children? Yes. I have two wonderful sons that have careers in business and criminal justice. Off the clock I enjoy: Traveling, reading, writing and family.

Moving Forward, One Step at a Time

Adrien Mullen Adrien Mullen’s story is one of great courage and determination. In spite of challenges of her life, Adrien managed to graduate from high school, but was soon affected by her environment. She was pregnant and on her own at age 18, homeless at 19 and living in a shelter with her young child at 20. With a toddler depending on her to make the right decisions, her faith in God and love for her child became the light and motivation that propelled her to strive for something better. She knew that the success of her new journey would emerge only through personal sacrifice and Mullen was ready to do whatever was required. Mullen completed the Tidewater Community College Workforce Development Training Program and earned a Medical Assistant certificate. Since 2006, Mullen has resided in Young Terrace and has proven to be a proud and responsible parent of two children, ages 1 and 5. She has taken advantage of the NRHA Workforce Development Academy (WDA), a 12-week comprehensive program that offers skills refinement; personal development; and job training, placement and coaching in conjunction with non-traditional leadership building. The WDA helps residents transition from unemployment or under-employment to sustainable employment and lifelong careers. After completion of the WDA requirements, Mullen was placed in the NRHA Office of Economic Opportunities where she provides administrative support and is learning the fundamentals of office management and administrative operations. She enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency program and bought a car. Adrien has also registered with Tidewater Community College for their 2013 Spring enrollment. Six years removed from homelessness, Mullen proudly tells a new story of success and sings a happier song. She realized that she was the only one who could provide the best answers for her condition. Mullen has since adopted a new attitude towards success and a nurturing attitude towards spiritual growth. In the words of Mullen, “At the end of the day, I know things could have been a lot worse. I am blessed to have been able to use my obstacles to strengthen me. My life is finally moving forward in the right direction, one step at a time!”

What’s Hot:

rescue, rope bags and reach/blasting rescue were learned at the Neenah, Wis., YMCA. Finally, participants visited Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wis., where fire trucks are custom built and shipped worldFire Science Camp wide. At the camp’s conclusion, participants received certificates, T The Client Services department’s Workforce Development sent 18 shirts and flew back home with memories that will last a lifetime. Client community residents, ages 15 to 20, to Services used funds from the 2009 Federal Emergency Management Fire Science Camp at the University of Agency (FEMA) to send the participants to Fire Science Camp. Wisconsin Oshkosh in June. For four Fire Prevention Ablaze in days, participants learned firefighting Grandy Village & Diggs Town and emergency medical service skills in hands-on basic and advanced activities Over the past five years, fire damage has proved costly at taught by professional firefighters and emergency rescue various NRHA properties. The majority of fires originate in the personnel. They learned ladder safety, how to hold and guide kitchen. To address this issue, NRHA applied for a grant under fire hoses, appropriate mask usage and how to safely escape the 2009 Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) a burning building. Mentorship, teamwork, problem-solving General Education/Awareness category. The $445,745 grant was and leadership development were key elements of the camp. used to implement the Fire Prevention and Safety Program which Participants experienced college life by lodging included the installation of Safe-T element cooking systems on on-campus in residence halls, eating meals provided by the electric ranges in Grandy Village and Firestop canisters over University Food Service and receiving career planning and the gas ranges in Diggs Town. A “Train the Trainer” program was also implemented in three tiers. First, residents were trained resume writing guidance. They visited the Oshkosh Fire to become fire watch teams to increase their knowledge of fire Department for a “Life at the Fire Station” tour as well as the safety. Second, children were trained on fire safety using an apAppleton Fire Department where Chief Van der Wyst and propriate venue i.e. cartoon characters and coloring books. The staff cooked lunch and dinner. Next was a visit to the Mount Fire Science Camps in Wisconsin were the third tier. Morris Camp & Conference Center in Wautoma for the “Ropes and Challenge Course.” Basic water rescue, shore

Calvert Square

Young Terrace

Great American Clean Up

Community Fun Day

On April 19, 2011, the residents and staff of Calvert Square pooled their efforts to clean up the community as part of The Great American Clean Up. The weather was perfect for a spring cleaning. At the end of the clean up, parents and youth enjoyed grilled hot dogs and burgers. Later, the Easter egg hunt started. It was a mad rush for the hundreds of eggs that staff hid around the rental office. In all, it was a great day!

The June 17, 2011, Young Terrace Community Fun Day was a great success drawing more than 800 participants! Activities included an Educational/Health Fair with 15 vendors; face painting; Norfolk Sherriff’s Department IDenti cards for children; animals from the Virginia Zoo; a Norfolk Fire and Rescue vehicle; the Norfolk Public Library Bookmobile; McGruff the Crime Dog with police bikers; Rip Tide with the Norfolk Tides, door prizes; and plenty of grilled food. Party 4 All Party and Events provided a 16-foot slide, 24-foot double slide, 70-foot obstacle course, castle bouncer, jungle money bouncer, six field board games, cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones.

Resident Advisory Council Officers Council Bobbitt Advisory Council 5920 Popular Hall Drive Norfolk, 23502 624-8616

Sykes Advisory Council 555 East Liberty Street Norfolk, 23523 314-1457

President: Carolyn Williams Vice-President: Emma Simmons Secretary: Timothy Lovell Financial Sect.: Vacant Treasurer: Regina Williams Chaplain: Jessie Laughton Sgt.-at-Arms: Mary Brown President: Larry Blow Vice-President: Christina Lamphier Secretary: Addie Sembley Treasurer: Vacant Chaplain: Vacant Sgt.-at-Arms: Vacant

Partrea Advisory Council 701 Easy Street Norfolk, 23505 624-8618

President: Johnny Warren Vice-President: Earl Woodfolk Secretary: Nancy Allen Treasurer: Phyllis Swift Chaplain: Arthur Riddick Sgt.-at-Arms: Reginald Collins

Hunter Square Advisory Council 825 Goff Street Norfolk, 23504 314-1415

President: Clinton Braxton Vice-President: Anthony Moore Secretary: Robin Posey Treasurer: Julius Simpson Chaplin: Ethel Burk Sgt.-at-Arms: Herbert Nichols

Franklin Arms Advisory Council 2500 Princess Anne Road Norfolk, 23504

President: Gloria Joyner Vice-President: Star Williams Secretary: May Jones Financial Sect.: Vacant Treasurer: Vivian Parker Chaplain: Tandielee Edwards Sgt.-at-Arms: Emma Morgan

Young Terrace Advisory Council 823 Smith Street Norfolk, 23510

President: Janice Walton Vice-President: Miranda Archibald Secretary: Tia Scott Asst. Secretary: Vacant Treasurer: Tawanika Taylor Asst. Treasurer: Vacant Chaplain: Eleanor Johnson Sgt.-at-Arms: Vacant

Tidewater Gardens Advisory Council

Board

President: Michelle Cook Vice-President: Deborah Ross Secretary: Lakita Hayes Financial Secretary: Vacant Treasurer: Vacant

Provided by Client Services

Chief Housing Officer Donnell Brown

Published by

NRHA Communications & Marketing Department Director of Communications and Marketing Ed Ware Editor LaRhesa Christmas Graphic Designer Casey Scalf

About

NRHA

Founded in 1940, NRHA is a national leader in community revitalization and fostering sustainable mixedincome communities. As the largest redevelopment and housing authority in Virginia, NRHA plays a key role in making Norfolk the city of choice to build, work, play and live.