Message from President Marsha Parham
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Greetings!
We have many exciting things happening in the months to come. The
Delaware,
New Jersey
and
Maryland
Annual Conferences in May and the
Pennsylvania
Annual Conference in June. The Pennsylvania State Chapter is partnering with MARC for our Annual Conference. Please support your local MARC/NAHRO chapters if possible.
In early May we lost a colleague and friend. Former MARC Regional President, Mary Paumen. I have included some of the honors contributed to me by her fellow housing professionals.
“All of us who worked with her and had the honor to be mentored by her in the industry have truly lost a good friend and colleague. I remember Mary and I were part of the NAHRO Brazil delegation. We spent much time talking as we toured/walked thru the blighted neighborhoods in Rio. She shared her many stories of her travels to other countries and compared them to what we were witnessing in Brazil. She helped me with so many tax credit projects over the years. Our many early morning strategy meetings at the JW Marriott as we drank Starbuck’s coffee. I remember last, the ride we shared to the IRGE dinner in Los Angeles and how even after her stroke she kept the faith. I will always remember her kindness and commitment to help all of us as best she could. “
Don Bibb, Executive Director, Talbot County, MD
“Mary was such a great friend and mentor to me. We spent 3 days in the frigid cold of Minnesota working on a project and it was such a rewarding experience and I gained a trusted friend in her. Her spirit was amazing! I suppose that is why she was called onward.....”
Clifton Martin, CEO, Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County, MD
It was the suggestion of Tara Clifford that we establish a memorial scholarship in Mary’s honor. This will be an agenda item for our Annual meeting. I hope to see as many of our members at the meeting as possible.
Thank you for your continued support.
Regards,
Marsha J. Parham
President
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PAHRA/MARC
Annual Spring Conference & Expo
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Registration forms should be emailed to kelly@pahra.org with payment to follow. Checks made payable to PAHRA and mailed to P.O. Box J, New Florence, PA 15944.
Sorry – in order to keep costs low, we do not accept credit cards.
Hotel Reservations 717-533-3311 or 1-800-HERSHEY (1-800-437-7439) before May 23, 2018 for group rate:
$208 per person per night single plus applicable tax / fees; or $115.50 per person per night double plus applicable tax / fees. Rate includes lodging and hot breakfast buffet each morning of your stay.
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The NAHRO Executive Management & Leadership Seminar
will be available at the Joint Spring Conference
NAHRO Executive Management & Leadership Seminar includes two-day NAHRO seminar registration, all course materials both hard copy and electronic, as well as admission to all Annual Spring Conference & Expo events, refreshment breaks, Lunch with Exhibitors, Country BBQ, evening hospitality and networking events, and all other conference materials.
NAHRO Training & Materials Fee: $400 (includes both hard copy and electronic)
50% Discount Conference Registration Fee: $150
*Total Cost for Both Seminar & Conference Combined $550
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PHA Celebrates Completion of New Homes
in Strawberry Mansion
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New Development ensures affordability in a desirable neighborhood
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) celebrated the completion of the Strawberry Mansion Apartments, a 55-home development in a section of North Philadelphia currently experiencing a major change as a result of private investment and other capital improvements.
The property covers three blocks in an area bounded by 33rd Street to the West, Arlington Street to the North, 32nd Street to the East, and Berks Street to the South. The affordable apartments and houses will complement the revitalization of the community, helping to ensure that quality housing remains available for lower-income residents.
“We are thrilled to see this long-awaited development come to fruition,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah. “These homes are in an ideal location next to Fairmount Park. We believe that this will prompt more people to consider buying homes in the neighborhood. Current residents will appreciate the brighter look of the community. PHA has worked closely with area residents to make Strawberry Mansion Apartments a reality.”
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State Rep. Donna Bullock (center) led the ribbon cutting. She was joined (from left) by Tonnetta Graham of Strawberry Mansion CDC, PHA Commissioner Bonnie Camarda, Nancy Twyman of PHFA, HUD Regional Administrator Joe DeFelice, City Council President Darrell Clarke, State Sen. Sharif Street, PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah, PHA Board Chair Lynette Brown-Sow, and State Sen. Vincent Hughes.
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Danielle Supplee, one of the new residents at Strawberry Mansion Apartments, and her children are all smiles as they prepare to move into their new home. Ms. Supplee works in home healthcare and wants to go back to school to receive her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
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HABC and the City of Baltimore Selected
as a Choice Neighborhoods
Implementation Grant Finalist
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The agency is one of six applicants identified for the highly competitive grant award
Mayor Catherine E. Pugh and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) Executive Director Janet Abrahams received notification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that HABC has been selected as a finalist for Fiscal Year 2017 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant. HUD received 20 applications for the highly competitive award and selected six finalists from the pool of applicants to move on to the next round, one of which is HABC and the City.
“Creating a new era of neighborhood investment and revitalization – and particularly in those areas of our City that have been neglected for too long – is among my Administration’s highest priorities,” said Mayor Catherine E. Pugh. “We are grateful to be included among the finalists for the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant program. We are hopeful that the merits of our plans to implement the Perkins, Somerset, Old Town Transformation Project will result in the successful final consideration by HUD. These communities have waited long enough for what promises to be a new and promising beginning.”
In November 2017, HABC and the City of Baltimore jointly submitted a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) grant application to HUD to redevelop Perkins Homes and the surrounding community. The PSO Transformation Plan calls for the demolition and redevelopment of Perkins Homes into a vibrant mixed income community with affordable and market rate housing, a new 21st Century school, new community amenities and opportunities, neighborhood improvements, and a supportive services plan aimed at helping families meet their goals.
“We are pleased to be one of the six finalists in this extremely competitive Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant announcement, and to take the next step in the Perkins, Somerset, Old Town (PSO) Transformation Project,” said Director Abrahams. “We thank HUD for recognizing our long-term vision for the project, which is to improve resident success and restore the vibrancy of Perkins Homes and the surrounding community by replacing distressed public housing with high quality housing for people from all income levels.”
HUD expects to announce final grantees in July 2018.
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DE NAHRO Presents:
Reimagining Affordable Communities
-- From the Past to the Future --
How Affordable Housing is Changing
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Friday, May 18, 2018
8:30am – 3:00pm
University of Delaware’s Virden Center
Lewes, DE
Keynote Speaker will be the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Deputy Assistant Secretary Unabyrd L. Wadhams. In addition, you will want to meet HUD Region III Administrator Joseph J. DeFelice who will also be speaking at the Conference.
This conference will focus on the transition of affordable housing from the image of the past to the modern image of today. With HUD’s goal of transforming assisted housing through public-private partnerships, our panelists will highlight new and existing collaborative efforts to redevelop affordable housing communities in Delaware. Speakers will demonstrate the impact of design and community support on affordable housing development and redevelopment. What has been learned in the decades since public housing was first constructed? What looks different? How does community design impact the lives and opportunities of affordable housing residents?
Sessions will focus on:
Redevelopment initiatives
which have been successfully completed in the State of Delaware utilizing innovative models like the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program and creative leveraging of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).
Innovative solutions
used in replacing an outdated affordable housing building in a logical, cost effective way. This residential community also incorporates commercial use. Designed with high-efficiency systems and materials, it is one of the “greenest” buildings in the City of Wilmington.
Understanding the impact of design
on affordable housing development and redevelopment. Current research shows the relationship between the built environment and physical, social, and mental health outcomes. A multitude of successful design projects serve as case studies demonstrating how design can be used to promote positive community outcomes.
Transformation
of the entire Riverside area in Wilmington from the ground up. This new initiative will focus on community, recreation, education and housing. This is a purpose-built community from cradle to college.
The Keynote Speaker, Ms. Unabyrd L. Wadhams is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Field Operations for HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing.
Guest Speakers
The Honorable Christopher A. Coons, United States Senator (invited)
The Honorable John C. Carney, Jr., Delaware Governor (invited)
Mr. Joseph J. DeFelice, Region III Administrator (confirmed)
Mr. Anas Ben Addi, Director, Delaware State Housing Authority (confirmed)
Mr. Todd F. Lawson, Sussex County Administrator (invited)
For more information about the conference and registration form please see the
Conference Flyer.
To register online and to pay for registration fee by credit card please go to
www.denahro.org
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION
PAHRA Legislative Visits – Hill Day 2018
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Twenty-four PAHRA representatives gathered on Capitol Hill to meet with members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation in conjunction with NAHRO Washington Conference Hill Day activities.
The day began as we sat down with Andrew Usyk, Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Robert Casey (D-PA); followed by a meeting with Will Council, Legislative Correspondent for U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA). After expressing appreciation for the recent increases in federal funding to HUD programs, as well as expansion of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) in the final appropriations legislation, PAHRA members discussed current concerns. These included:
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Refederalization of funds in COCC
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Flexibility and availability of funds
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Rent reform proposals
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MTW expansion
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CDBG funding cuts
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Infrastructure legislation
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Small Area Fair Market Rents
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Section 8 administrative fee levels
Four PAHRA teams then spent the afternoon visiting with members of the House or their legislative staff, sharing PAHRA’s federal policy priorities and leaving behind pertinent information to assist the congressmen in making informed decisions regarding H&CD matters.
The work that we do and the services provided through HUD-funded programs are an integral part of our local economies. PAHRA remains committed to partnering with our elected officials to support these investments in the residents and the communities of our Commonwealth.
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Housing America Poster Contest
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On April 17th, the Delaware Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) partnered with the New Castle County Housing Authority (NCCHA) to bring together close to 40 school-aged kids and their families with NCCHA staff and guest artists for the program’s fourth annual “Art Night + Pizza Party.”
The event started at 5 p.m. and two hours and fourteen pizzas later, we were thrilled to accept twenty-eight entries for NAHRO's 2018 “What Home Means to Me” poster contest.
The inclusion of local artists was a new feature of this year's event, and local artist-scribe Riva Brown and teaching artist “Art Man” Gregory Taylor really inspired the kids to think creatively and devote impressive focus to their posters and essays. In terms of enthusiasm, attendance - and quantity of pizza consumed - it was NCCHA and DE-NAHRO's biggest and most fun Art Night yet!
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The Bayonne Housing Authority is pleased to congratulate Jake Dominguez for having his entry in the “What Home Means to Me” poster contest, sponsored by NAHRO’s Housing America Campaign, selected as one of the posters to be included in their 2018 Calendar.
“We are very proud of Jake and his accomplishment,” said Ludo Nolfo, BHA Chairman. “His poster is only one of twelve to be selected from across the country.”
The national winners’ artwork are featured in the 2018 “What Home Means to Me” calendar, which is shared with all members of Congress, local leaders and the NAHRO membership. Each winner also receives $100 from NAHRO. In addition, the Bayonne Housing Authority awarded Jake $100 for his winning submission.
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Upcoming Elections
The members listed below currently serve as Members-at-Large on the MARC Executive Board for the 2015-2018 term. All of these members have informed the Nominating and Elections Committee of their desire to remain on the board. Therefore, the Committee is submitting these names for election which will be held at the Joint PAHRA/MARC Spring Conference in June in Hershey, PA.
- Gary Centinaro, CMPO - Housing Authority of the City of Beverly, NJ
- Dale Gravett, SPHM - Housing Authority of Chester County, PA
- Walter McNeil, PhD - Housing Authority of the City of Orange, NJ
- Cynthia Osborne, SPHM, PHM - Elkton, MD Housing Authority
- Stacy Spann - Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, MD
Member Services Committee
The Member Services Committee recently reviewed and choose approximately seventeen NAHRO Awards of Merit to agencies in the MARC Region. The winners will be announced by NAHRO in the near future. The next step in the NAHRO awards is the Award of Excellence. The Award of Merit winners who received a score of 40 points or more are then eligible to win an Award of Excellence. The NAHRO Award of Excellence is chosen from entries from across the country at NAHRO’s Summer Conference and awarded at the Annual Conference and Expo to be held in Atlanta in October. The awards are a great way to help us promote nationally the great work our MARC members are doing at the local level. We will announce MARC’s 20 18 Award of Merit winners in a future newsletter.
Along with the Award of Merit and the Award of Excellence, MARC is raising funds for the Gilliam, Milan, Smith and Moyer Memorial Scholarship for our members’ benefit-- to fund tuition and/or certification examination fees for NAHRO Professional Development offerings. Currently, we are accepting donations to set up the fund for future scholarship winners. We can solve this quickly and easily if each MARC NAHRO member made a donation to the fund. An announcement will be made when applications are available for submission.
The MARC Member Services Committee would like to see a rise in NAHRO award winners in our region. Last year there were zero Awards of Excellence awarded to the members in our region. Let’s hope 2018 brings the MARC region some winners.
Professional Development
NAHRO Executive Management & Leadership Seminar: $550*
NAHRO Executive Management & Leadership Seminar includes two-day NAHRO seminar registration, all course materials both hard copy and electronic, as well as admission to all Annual Spring Conference & Expo events, refreshment breaks, Lunch With Exhibitors, Country BBQ, evening hospitality and networking events, and all other conference materials.
NAHRO Training & Materials Fee: $400 (includes both hard copy and electronic)
50% Discount Conference Registration Fee: $150
*Total Cost for Both Seminar & Conference Combined $550
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NAHRO in the NEWS
NAHRO CEO, Adrianne Todman as well as other NAHRO members and the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities provided comment for a recent article titled "Rent reforms in a few cities pave the way for nationwide overhaul" in yesterday's Washington Examiner.
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NAHRO Individual Awards
NAHRO offers a variety of awards and recognition to persons who have made outstanding contributions to the housing and community development field. Make sure your deserving candidate is nominated for one of the following awards:
M. Justin Herman Memorial Award
,
NAHRO's most prestigious award, honors an exceptionally qualified person who has made outstanding contributions to the quality of life through service in the field of housing or community development.
John D. Lange International Award
acknowledges a person who has made contributions to the international community.
Elizabeth B. Wells Memorial Award
celebrates the accomplishments and service of an outstanding commissioner.
Emerging Leader Award
recognizes an individual who has been involved in NAHRO at the national, regional and/or chapter levels for at least five years and has distinguished him/herself as an Emerging Leader.
Deadlines for these awards: AUGUST 15, 2018.
The winners will be honored at NAHRO's National Conference
in Atlanta, GA: October 25-27, 2018
NAHRO Fellowship Program venerates recipients who have demonstrated exemplary qualities as housing and community development advocates, professionals and/or volunteers.
Deadline for applications: July 1, 2018
Roll of Achievers showcases residents who have made noteworthy efforts to improve as an individual or as a member of the community.
Applications are accepted all year
.
For additional information on these awards, click
here
.
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Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County
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MARC NAHRO State Chapters
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Do you have news to share from your agency?
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