Here's your monthly news from the
Housing Authority of the Birmingham District
|
|
Welcome Reception for HABD's President/CEO! |
Thank you to all our sponsors, the Board of Commissioners, clients, the HABD team, and all of those who attended the Welcome Reception for President and Chief Executive Officer, David A. Northern, Sr.
The reception was held Friday, May 9th at Michael's Steakhouse Parkside in Birmingham overlooking Regions Field.
The Welcome Reception was held in part to formally introduce Mr. Northern to clients, partners, and stakeholders. It was also a vital engagement and networking opportunity for Mr. Northern as he continues efforts to communicate his vision for HABD and his strategy to improve affordable housing in the city of Birmingham.
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the number of invited guests was limited based on guidelines established by the restaurant’s management. HABD values all of our clients, staff, partners, and stakeholders; and Mr. Northern looks forward to other community engagement opportunities to connect with as many of you as he can!
|
|
|
HABD is in Search of Developer Partners
The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) is open for business! HABD is pleased to announce that the agency is seeking developers to partner in the redevelopment of our communities and offer new development opportunities. In partnership with HABD, the selected development teams will be responsible for design, financing, construction and implementation of one or more comprehensive development projects in the city of Birmingham. All development efforts will be designed to serve the goals of HABD and address housing needs for a broad range of income participants.
“This is an exciting time for HABD, our clients and citizens in the city of Birmingham,” said David A. Northern Sr., HABD’s President/CEO. “HABD is focused on repositioning our portfolio in order to revitalize our public housing communities and, in addition, add to and improve the city’s affordable housing inventory.”
In an effort to change the face and character of traditional public housing in the city of Birmingham, HABD has embarked on an aggressive plan to reposition the public housing portfolio; revitalize our non-federal portfolio; and create additional quality affordable housing opportunities for citizens of Birmingham.
The deadline to submit a proposal for the RFQ is Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 2:00 pm (CST).
|
|
Mayor, Police Chief and HABD's President/CEO Hold Joint News Conference
Collegeville Center Public Housing was the backdrop for a joint news conference on April 16th with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Chief of Police Patrick Smith, and HABD President/CEO David A. Northern, Sr. They came together to discuss HABD allocating approximately $6 million of its HUD Capital Grants funds to go towards the expansion of safety and security upgrades at public housing properties. Some of the upgrades include, but are not limited to, the installation of surveillance cameras and License Plate Readers monitored by law enforcement. The plan also includes assessments at all communities to determine the need for LED lighting, additional lighting and lighting repairs.
“The Birmingham Police Department is a true partner with HABD. Together, we want to build safer streets, safer communities and a safer Birmingham. We are all committed to helping your communities thrive through continued investments and progress towards the future,” said Birmingham Chief of Police Patrick D. Smith.
|
|
City of Birmingham Launches Program to Pay Rent for Citizens Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
If COVID-19 reduced your income and left you unable to pay your rent or utilities, Birmingham’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program may be able to help! This program may also be able to help landlords with renters who are behind on paying rent for their rental property in Birmingham. Visit birminghamal.gov/renthelp or call 1-844-287-1250. Send emails to rentalassisstance@speicalkindofcaring.org.
(Source: City of Birmingham)
**(Please see the flyer below from the city of Birmingham for more information)
|
|
Community Outreach to Address Safety Concerns |
The Birmingham Police Department's Community Safety Partnership Officers recently launched its S.A.R.A. initiative which stands for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment.
The purpose of the program is to identify reoccurring issues or crime in the community by engaging clients in an effort to determine what's contributing to the problems.
Reverend Dr. Morrell Todd Homes is the first HABD community to see officers conducting foot patrols for the S.A.R.A. program.
If you'd like to anonymously report suspicious activity or violations in your community, you can send an email to tips@habd.net or call 205- 521-0761.
|
|
|
Mills Pharmacy Holds COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
for HABD Clients
On April 30th, HABD partnered with Mills Pharmacy to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at Harris Homes Public Housing.
The Moderna vaccine was offered to all HABD clients 18 years and older, and 129 clients signed up to get vaccinated. Mills Pharmacy also provided hot dogs, chips and drinks to the clients after getting their shot. The clients who received their first shot will get their second shot from Mills Pharmacy at the same location.
Mills Pharmacy recently provided vaccines to HABD staff and eligible families members. HABD will continue to seek opportunities to partner with healthcare providers to plan additional onsite COVID-19 vaccine clinics for HABD families.
|
|
Birmingham Police Department holds Relief Drive for Kimbrough Homes Families Displaced by Fire
The Birmingham Police Department and its Community Safety Partnership Division are holding a clothing, shoes, and toiletries drive for the families displaced by the April 26th fire at Kimbrough Homes Public Housing. Sadly, one person was killed and three families were displaced. Information about how to donate to the Relief Drive can be found below.
|
|
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT HABD! |
|
Housing Choice Voucher Program's Landlord Meeting
On Thursday, May 13th, HABD held a virtual meeting for its Housing Choice Voucher Program landlords. Approximately 1,600 landlords were invited to participate in the discussion.
HABD's President/CEO formally introduced himself as the agency's new leader and spoke about upcoming landlord recruitment and retention initiatives. Details were also shared about HABD's interest in HUD's Moving to Work Cohort #4 landlord incentives program.
Mr. Northern said, "We have close to 790 vouchers that we have the potential of leasing up. That means if you have vacant units, or your friends or other landlords have vacant units please work with us. We need you to work with HABD and lease these vouchers up for the clients we serve. That’s something that's very important."
The landlords who joined the virtual meeting were asked to submit any questions about the session to landlordinfo@habd.net by May 17, 2021. The questions that are submitted will be compiled; and a Q & A document will be made available on our website, social media and emailed to each landlord.
|
|
ROSS Recruitment at Kimbrough Homes
The Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program is now available for clients of Kimbrough Homes Public Housing!
The purpose of the ROSS program is to assist clients with furthering their education, employment, financial literacy and transportation needs. Please call the ROSS Coordinator, Ms. Whitney Mullen (pictured on the right), at 205-909-7709 for more information or to sign up for the program.
|
|
HABD Announces Sponsorship of Mario Addison's 7th Annual Youth Football Camp
Mario Addison’s 7th Annual Youth Football Camp will be held June 26, 2021 at Carver High School and HABD is proud to be one of the sponsors!
The summer camp is for young athletes to learn basic football skills and drills from the NFL's Buffalo Bills football player and other NFL players. There will also be a Cheerleader and Dance Camp!
Addison is a former North Birmingham Homes client and strives to hold events that are impactful to the community.
Register by Monday, May 17th to receive a FREE T-Shirt!
HABD youth, please contact your Community Center's Coordinator to register.
|
|
Blooming in Marks Village!
The planters throughout the Marks Village public housing community are now full of vibrant, blooming flowers! Inspectors with HABD's Real Estate Development Department planted a mix of annual and perennial flowers. HABD would like to give a shout out to staff at the city of Birmingham's Greenhouse who donated the lovely flowers. Thank you!!
|
|
HABD's Summer Youth Program will be held June 8-July 23, 2021
Details coming soon to our social media!!!
|
|
**HABD's Board of Commissioners will meet for its regular monthly board meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at noon via Zoom. The Zoom link will be posted on our website. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
