Your Monthly HABD News & Updates |
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U.S Housing and Urban Development
Secretary Marcia Fudge visits Birmingham
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U.S Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge visited Birmingham on Wednesday, August 11, to promote the Biden-Harris Administration’s Build Back Better agenda. The plan includes investments in housing construction and rehabilitation; economic development; and community revitalization. Secretary Fudge was joined by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, U.S. Representative Terri A. Sewell, and HABD President/CEO David A. Northern, Sr.
Secretary Fudge said, "I said when I took this job that the only reason I would do it is that I wanted for people who live on the outskirts of hope to have a better life. That is my job, that is my role here today. To be a part of the things you are building here."
Secretary Fudge toured HABD’s new Villas at Titusville community where Phase II of construction is underway on an additional 64 units. In addition, Secretary Fudge visited Southtown Court Public Housing to hear from HABD, city officials, and developer partners, Southside Development Company, about the redevelopment initiative to rebuild and revitalize the site. She also participated in a round table discussion with local affordable housing and community development leaders at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Northern said, "I’m excited about the infrastructure bill passing and moving forward, and Birmingham receiving more dollars to reposition our properties. It's exciting to see people happy. We met with a client and she talked about how safe this property is and how much she loves and appreciates the property. That’s what we want for the clients that we serve. This is a major opportunity to have the Secretary put us on the map in terms of the properties we're doing and so much work that needs to be done."
Secretary Fudge says President Biden has given her broad latitude to make improvements in public housing through the lens of equity to advance and sustain affordable housing across the country.
"On any given day in America, more than 11 million people pay more than 50% of their income on rent, just on rent. Can you imagine 50% of your income on rent, then you wonder 'how do I pay for my kids' clothing'? How do I put food on the table? There is no place in America where you can rent a two-bedroom apartment on minimum wage in this country and we intend to change it," said Fudge.
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Jefferson County Delegation Meeting |
On Tuesday, August 10, HABD President/CEO David A. Northern, Sr. met with lawmakers of the Jefferson County Delegation to share HABD's achievements and the initiatives planned for the future.
Northern said, "Under my leadership, HABD is focused on modernizing our properties, resident services, and organizational structure to better serve our clients and the greater Birmingham community. We are embarking on an ambitious plan to redevelop thousands of units of housing, expand the number of families receiving rental assistance, and position the agency as a key partner in the future of Birmingham."
Northern encouraged lawmakers to create legislation that establishes a State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. To preserve thousands of units of affordable housing in the State of Alabama and create new housing options, Alabama needs a State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Like the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), state affordable housing tax credits are intended to generate private investment in affordable housing by providing a credit on taxes owed for investments in affordable housing.
Seth Embry, HABD's Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, said, "The key takeaway is the tax credit program provides equity to develop affordable housing and it's currently the only mechanism we have to develop affordable housing. The best approach to a state credit would be to pair the federal LIHTC with a state tax credit program. Under this approach, investors in the federal LIHTC program automatically receive the state credit to help fill gaps in development costs."
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Check out the latest edition of Mr. Northern's Public Housing Authorities Directors Association's (PHADA) President’s Forum!
It has information about why you should be contacting lawmakers about the Fiscal Year 2022 budget regarding funding for affordable housing needs.
One of PHADA’s top legislative priorities is the approval of President Biden’s proposed budget that would address the massive capital fund backlog.
HABD’s recent partnership with NFL FLAG which gives youth the chance to play in an organized flag football tournament is also part of this edition of the President's Forum!
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Public Safety Upgrades Continue |
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HABD's Public Safety Director Ken Foreman says Alabama Power has installed all 64 License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras throughout HABD properties. The LPRs are operational and federated with the Birmingham Police Department.
Surveillance camera system installation at HABD properties is underway and will continue through October.
In addition, Alabama Power is continuing to install new LED lighting at various HABD communities.
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More than $32,000 was raised at HABD's Naomi H. Truman Scholarship Foundation Employee Luncheon
HABD's Naomi H. Truman Scholarship Foundation Annual Employee Luncheon was held on Friday, July 30, where employees donated or pledged more than $32,000 for scholarships.
This year’s event was 80’s themed and Ronnie DeVoe of 80’s R&B group "New Edition" was a surprise celebrity guest!
HABD established its own 501 (c)(3) scholarship foundation to benefit public housing and Section 8 program clients who are interested in going to college or attending a trade school.
Jacqueline French, President of the Naomi H. Truman Scholarship Foundation, said, "Each year the generosity of HABD’s employees absolutely warms my heart! It’s amazing how the employees look forward to our scholarship foundation fundraiser and never hesitate to donate their hard-earned money to help our clients meet their educational and career goals."
The foundation has awarded 149 scholarships to date totaling approximately $217,000. All donations go straight to the scholarship foundation for HABD's clients.
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SHADES Empowerment Summit |
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Miles College's Coach Leonard Smoot Joins
HABD Youth at Top Golf!
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HABD’s youth had a great time taking swings at Top Golf in Birmingham! The Community Engagement staff and President/CEO David A. Northern, Sr. planned a fun outing for the boys and girls at Top Golf to kickoff HABD’s golf partnership with championship-winning golf coach of Miles College, Leonard Smoot.
The kids were taught the fundamentals of golf and will continue to receive lessons in the future with Coach Smoot. Through the partnership, the kids also get opportunities to attend golf events to further their interest in the sport!
“Golf is not commonly known in our community, particularly in the housing authority, “said Coach Smoot. “I think sometimes our kids either overlook golf or get overlooked and I just think it’s important that our kids can touch and feel something different than the normal sports that we are accustomed to. I think they get excited once they know they can play the game or know more about it. So, I just get excited simply because it’s something that has enriched my life and also helped me to excel in my career. I want to pass that on to somebody who looks like me.”
If you would like your child to participate in this program please email HABD's Interim Vice President of Community Engagement, Armon Matthews, at amatthews@habd.net
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PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY!
If you are already fully vaccinated, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others.
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