Welcome to CLPHA's Press Room
CLPHA experts welcome interview requests from print, radio, television, and online reporters and are happy to provide their insights on issues of public housing and related legislation and policy.
For media inquiries, please contact:
David Greer
Director of Communications
(202) 550-1381 or dgreer@clpha.org.
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Congratulations to Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman on New Role as Acting Secretary
(Washington, D.C.) March 12, 2024 — “On behalf of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, we congratulate HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on a dedicated career in public service from serving as Mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, to U.S. Congresswoman from Ohio’s 11th district, and culminating as the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. “When Secretary Fudge took the reins of HUD in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, she provided steadfast leadership that expanded rental assistance and served more than 1.2 people experiencing homelessness. She has been an ardent housing champion giving voice to millions of people in need. “Secretary Fudge worked with CLPHA throughout her tenure to provide greater flexibility to address housing needs and redress systemic racism that has been embedded in housing policy for decades. “We commend her on an exemplary career in public service and wish her well in the next chapter of her life. We look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman, former CLPHA Vice President, in her new role as Acting Secretary.” |
### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
Policies Would Bring Housing Stability to Nearly 1 Million Low-Income Americans |
(Washington, D.C.) March 7, 2024 — The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) applauds President Joe Biden for his call to expand the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Low-income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. As part of the proposed HCV program expansion, the President is calling for a voucher guarantee for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care. Notably, President Biden is the first U.S. President to call for a portion of federally assisted housing to be classified as a guarantee. “President Biden’s call for voucher and LIHTC expansion would immediately bring housing stability to nearly one million low-income Americans who are one lost paycheck or unforeseen health event away from homelessness,” said Sunia Zaterman, CLPHA executive director. “Moreover, the President’s extraordinary call to guarantee vouchers for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care is a transformative measure that would bring much-needed certainty to a portion of federal housing funding. This demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding housing stability for our nation's most vulnerable populations.” This year’s State of the Union address is considered by many to be the kickoff of President Biden’s 2024 election campaign. “It is clear after tonight that President Biden intends to make housing a top election priority,” said Zaterman. “We encourage President Biden to become the housing president by creating a comprehensive long-term plan for a sustainable future for public housing that would include the recapitalization of the public housing portfolio, permanent expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher program, and a cross-sector approach that includes housing, health, and education. We look forward to working with the President on such a plan.” |
### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
(Washington, D.C.) January 11, 2022 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to announce that Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) CEO Jeffery K. Patterson has been named president of CLPHA’s board of directors.
Mr. Patterson was elected at CLPHA’s December 2021 board meeting, and previously served as the board’s vice president. He follows CLPHA’s previous board president, King County Housing Authority (KCHA) Executive Director Stephen Norman, who retired on December 31, 2021. CLPHA is also pleased to announce that La Shelle Dozier, executive director of the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, was elected CLPHA vice president and Maria Razo, executive director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, was elected CLPHA secretary at the board’s December 2021 meeting. Ed Lowndes, executive director of the Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO, was re-elected board treasurer.
"I am honored to be elected president of CLPHA’s board and would like to thank Stephen Norman for his service and leadership upon his well-deserved retirement,” said Patterson. “Decades of chronic disinvestment, an aging housing portfolio and racial inequities have long predated the pandemic. Entering the third year of pandemic, these issues have only been magnified.
“We are at a critical juncture,” Patterson added. “Historic housing investments proposed by the White House and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in the Build Back Better Act have stalled in the Senate. CLPHA will continue robust advocacy to ensure these significant housing investments are available to housing authorities across the country who are serving low-income families every day in their local communities.”
“Congratulations to CMHA CEO Jeffery Patterson on being named president of the Board of Directors of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. I was pleased to join him, residents, and city leaders at the recent groundbreaking of the Buckeye-Woodhill Choice Neighborhoods transformation plan, which will provide high quality affordable housing that is connected to economic, educational, and health opportunities in a vibrant neighborhood. I look forward to continuing to work with CEO Patterson in his new role to bring greater affordable housing opportunities to more people and communities in Ohio and across the country,” said Senator Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
“Jeffery has been an invaluable asset to CLPHA in his seven years on the board,” said CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman. “He leads in many ways -- as board vice president and chair of the Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee and Communications Committee, but also more locally through the many boards he serves on in the greater Cleveland area. Jeffery has a deep understanding of national housing issues as well as local challenges and solutions, and his commitment to CLPHA will ensure continuity through this leadership transition. I look forward to working with CLPHA’s new board leadership to advance our goals and policy priorities in these unprecedented times.”
Mr. Patterson has served as CMHA’s CEO for ten years and has over thirty years of dedicated service to the residents of Cuyahoga County. As CEO of one of the largest housing authorities in the country, he is responsible for a $230 million dollar budget, approximately 750 employees, 10,500 units of housing, 15,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, and nearly 55,000 residents and participants of CMHA's low-income Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. He also serves on the board of directors for the Housing Authority Insurance Group, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (Chairman), Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (Vice-Chairman), St. Luke’s Foundation, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Unify Labs Inc., University Circle Inc., the Cleveland Public Library Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation.
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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(Washington, D.C.) August 19, 2024 – Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the release of Vice President Kamala Harris' and Governor Tim Walz's housing plan at a rallty in North Carolina on Friday: "The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Harris-Walz campaign for its historic call for more affordable housing measures in its economic plan released on Friday in North Carolina. By every measure, low-income Americans are experiencing crisis levels of housing instability and homelessness. CLPHA strongly supports the Harris Walz campaign’s call for an expansion of tax incentives for affordable rental housing, an innovation fund for low-income housing, and expansion of the child tax credit, which would contribute to decreasing housing instability and homelessness among American’s most vulnerable families. 'We are hopeful that the tax incentives for affordable rental housing are at a scale that would generate as much affordable housing production or more as the low-income housing tax credit provisions in the bipartisan tax bill. The child tax credit improves a low-income parent’s ability to afford housing, which increases housing stability and improves children’s health outcomes. 'CLPHA will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the affordability and sustainability of public and affordable housing throughout this campaign which includes fully funding the public housing capital and operating funds, expanding the Housing Choice Voucher program, and prioritizing cross-sector approaches for housing, health and education." |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities |
(Washington, D.C.) November 17, 2023 — Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement yesterday of the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health and the CHIP Health-Related Social Needs Framework:: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Biden-Harris administration’s publication of the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health and the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health-Related Social Needs Framework. President Biden and HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge have led the nation in raising awareness of the foundational role that housing plays in improving life outcomes for low-income Americans throughout the President’s term. “CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative has driven the conversation for a decade on how best to bridge the housing and health sectors to improve the life outcomes of residents living in federally assisted housing. CLPHA has long supported public policies cited in the Framework such as evidence-based interventions to support housing and nutrition needs for certain Medicaid enrollees. CLPHA has also advocated for innovative solutions like waivers for Medicaid through its 1115 demonstration that allow for housing-related assistance. “With current programs proving beneficial and innovative programs being developed we know we have the answers. Yet, for these programs to be successful they must be funded at a level that meets the need. Unfortunately, they are not funded at those levels currently. While announcements like these are important in raising the awareness of the foundational role of housing in improving health outcomes, we must continue to advocate for increased resources, including incentivizing PHA/Medicaid partnerships, so they can deliver the benefits they are designed to achieve.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
(Washington, DC) November 30, 2022 -- Statement from Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, on the importance of finalizing the FY23 appropriations legislation:
“For the millions of families served by public housing authorities, it is critical for Congress to complete the FY23 appropriations legislation before the start of the 118th Congress in January. The leading public housing advocacy organizations, in one voice, call on Congress to get this legislation passed so that our most vulnerable families are not put at risk.
“The consequences of a government shutdown or a series of continuing resolutions, which lock the previous year’s funding levels in place, create uncertainty for PHAs by not accounting for inflation or current shortfalls that could be severe and would amount to a budget cut. It will tie the hands of housing authorities and impact their abilities to provide their residents with safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“These consequences are preventable if Congress passes the FY23 appropriations legislation at the funding levels requested by the public housing organizations in the letter sent to Congress. We look forward to working with Congress as they finalize the legislation.”
Media Contact:
David Greer, CLPHA
(202) 550-1381
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman was quoted in BisNow’s recent article “Biden's Budget Includes 'Once in a Generation' Investment in Vouchers, Public Housing. Now Landlords Need to Get on Board,” offering CLPHA’s perspective on the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan that would allocate $30 billion the Housing Choice Voucher program and $40 billion to public housing.
“To propose this level of investment in one fell swoop, it’s extraordinary,” Zaterman told BisNow. “There’s now a strong consensus that more could have and should have been done in 2008 and 2009 for reinvestment,” she added. “This $40B [proposal] does not meet the overall need, but it is extraordinary in the level that it raises the funding from our current baseline.”
Read BisNow’s article. (requires free registration for access to the article)
NPR’s Pam Fessler quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman in a story about the challenges of utilizing the $5 billion in emergency housing vouchers included in the American Rescue Plan. Zaterman told Fessler that while balancing landlord, tenant and taxpayer interests has always been hard, the situation is more dire than ever in the pandemic with millions of Americans struggling with rent. “There is a need for all of our members, a crying need, for additional vouchers that are serving a wide range of populations,” Zaterman said.
Sunia Zaterman participated in a recent story on the unique opportunities presented by the new administration to address the nation’s dire affordable housing shortage as part of Fast Company’s Home Bound, a series that examines Americans’ fraught relationship with their homes.
“Our focus now is assembling the tools to give housing authorities more ability to acquire properties and to bring to neighborhoods other types of affordable housing,” Zaterman told Fast Company of CLPHA’s goals to capitalize on this inflection point in the public and affordable housing industry. She added that while the new HUD administration’s more flexible rules help housing authorities create more affordable housing in their communities, the main need facing PHAs and affordable housing providers is more money: “You may have heard this before—money is the key obstacle.”
This week, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman was quoted in The Washington Post's article "In George Floyd’s old neighborhood, Biden’s war on poverty faces a crucial test." The article examines the potential impacts of President Biden's American Rescue Plan on families in poverty through a focus on Houston's Cuney Homes public housing community, where George Floyd lived much of his life before his killing in police custody.
“If we don’t make a difference in individual lives, then we really haven’t done the job yet,” Zaterman said of the Biden plan's antipoverty efforts. “The folks in the community that George Floyd grew up in — that is our test of whether our models, our resources, our impact has hit our target.”
This morning, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to discuss public and affordable housing issues and President Biden's proposed American Jobs Plan.
Ms. Zaterman answered questions from host Pedro Echevarria and members of the public from around the country, explaining what public housing authorities do, who they serve, and why increasing funding for public housing, vouchers, and other HUD programs is crucial to preserving affordable housing opportunities, strengthening the social safety net, and improving the life outcomes of low income Americans. She also discussed the positive impacts of the American Jobs Plan -- CLPHA estimates that 440,000 jobs will be created and $76 billion in economic impact generated during the time when the $40 billion in funds from the Plan are spent.
On Friday, April 9 from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. ET, CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman will appear on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to discuss President Biden's proposed American Jobs Plan, public and affordable housing, and related issues. Read Ms. Zaterman’s statement applauding President Biden’s announcement of the American Jobs Plan here.
You can watch Ms. Zaterman’s interview on the C-SPAN channel or live on C-SPAN's website and ask questions of Ms. Zaterman during the program via phone:
Outside U.S. and Text: (202) 748-8003
Republicans: (202) 748-8001
Democrats: (202) 748-8000
Independents: (202) 748-8002
Viewers can also share their thoughts and questions via email (journal@c-span.org), Twitter, Facebook and text messages (202-748-8003).
From the Cambridge Housing Authority's press release:
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), along with its partners, employees, and residents, will gather on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Revitalization of Jefferson Park Federal. This project marks a significant redevelopment milestone for a 278-unit, deeply affordable, housing community for families in North Cambridge.
Acting U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Adrianne Todman, Deputy Secretary at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Jennifer Maddox, and Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons are scheduled attended and shared remarks at the ceremony alongside CHA Executive Director Michael J. Johnston, local leaders, and key partners.
The redevelopment of Jefferson Park is being completed in two phases. Phase 1, consisting of 195 units, closed on $170 million in financing in July 2024, and Phase 2, consisting of 83 units, is anticipated to close on financing next year.
The CHA has funded this new development through the unique partnership among federal, state, and local governments. Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and public housing operating subsidy form the underpinning of the project’s overall financing. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is also providing over $7 million of soft loans—in addition to state low-income housing tax credits—through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. MassHousing is providing $85 million in tax-exempt private activity bonds for Phase 1, along with permanent financing and bridge financing. The City of Cambridge, through its Affordable Housing Trust, is contributing an additional $43 million over the project’s two phases.
The combination of these public resources, private partnerships with The Richman Group, TD Bank, and Santander for tax credit equity and construction financing, and the cooperation of all levels of government, is allowing the CHA to develop some of the first new public housing units in Cambridge since 1997. This project was the second to be approved under the City of Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay zoning.
The Revitalization of Jefferson Park is the culmination of an over eight-year effort to redevelop and revitalize the living community for a 1950’s era public housing development in very poor condition. The original buildings had substantial problems with water infiltration from ground water, as well as a failing sewer system which was causing mildew and poor air quality in many apartments. Additional issues with the masonry of the building and site infrastructure included collapsed piping and failing waterlines. Deteriorated condition of interior finishes were also documented.
New construction is not only enabling the CHA to remedy these deficiencies, but is also allowing the agency to create an additional 103 new family units for the site. Nearly 48% of units will have three or more bedrooms, with 85% of the units having two or more bedrooms.
“Moving forward with a project of this magnitude and scope is incredibly exciting for many reasons,” said Executive Director Michael J. Johnston. “I am proud of our commitment to putting the needs of our residents first every step of the way, and what truly stands out is that we’re not just replacing the original 175 obsolete public housing units, but we are also adding 103 family-sized units. All while ensuring the 278 total units remain deeply affordable and available to the thousands of applicants sitting stagnate on our waiting lists.”
The project is being built by Consigli Construction Co. and is designed by BWA Architecture.
“The Revitalization of Jefferson Park Federal will create a safe and sustainable environment for the residents and families served by the Cambridge Housing Authority to call home,” said CEO of Consigli Construction Co., Inc. Anthony Consigli. “Consigli is proud to be part of the team delivering a project that puts the community first, as well as addresses urgent local affordable housing needs.”
The design includes six new buildings featuring private entries on the first floor with a mix of private patios and shared courtyards. Each building is designed to meet Passive House and Enterprise Green Communities standards. The placement of the new buildings and roads will allow the property to better connect to the neighborhood’s street grid and provide residents with safer and more accessible access to their homes compared to the previous site. The redevelopment will also include two new Head Start classrooms, playgrounds, a park, bike-sharing stations, and a Food Pantry. Residents will move into the first phase of completed homes in early 2026, with the final units completed by the end of 2026.
In addition to its federal, state, and local partners, the CHA joined with a number of financial partners to make this transformation possible including The Richman Group, TD Bank, Santander, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), and MassHousing.
From the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), and The Community Builders (TCB) celebrated the grand opening of Phase II of the six phase Woodhill Homes transformation. Woodhill Center East, 61 quality affordable apartments and 16 townhomes for individuals and families to help revitalize the Buckeye-Woodhill community. This $35.2 million development is located at 11305 Woodland Ave and features a community room, fitness center, landscaped greenspace, a playground, and an outdoor patio.
“It’s exhilarating to celebrate the completion of Phase II and the groundbreaking of Phase III! I want to thank our partners, and I know residents share my excitement for the neighborhood's future,” said Council President Blaine Griffin of Ward 6. “The transformation of Buckeye-Woodhill will drive economic growth and strengthen our multigenerational community with vibrant spaces like community rooms, fitness centers, landscaped greens, playgrounds, and outdoor patios.”
The development team is also proud to break ground on the $34.6 Million Phase III, Woodhill Station East. This new apartment building is being constructed immediately to the east of the Phase I development at the corner of Buckeye Road and Woodhill Road. The development will include 64 new apartment units at varying levels of affordability, as well as an onsite early childhood education center. Woodhill Station East also features a community room, fitness center, and patio space for residents to come together as well as hold community events.
“The Buckeye/Woodhill Choice Neighborhood’s completion of the second phase, as well as the breaking ground on the third phase represents a significant milestone for this transformative neighborhood revitalization effort,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, Chief Executive Officer for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. “We are grateful to all of the residents, community partners, and stakeholders that have committed to keeping this project moving forward to provide quality housing opportunities for this community.”
“The Community Builders are thrilled to be here today to open the doors at Woodhill Center East and mark the completion of the second phase of the Woodhill Homes transformation – with the next phase just beginning. Today’s ribbon cutting is a milestone that brings 77 quality homes to individuals and families, making Cleveland’s Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood even stronger,” said George Tabit, regional vice president of real estate development for The Community Builders. “On behalf of our organization, I want to extend my deepest thanks and a well-earned congratulations to the many partners and leaders who have made this development possible, including CMHA, the City of Cleveland, Council President Blaine Griffin, Councilwoman Deborah Gray and our funders. And of course, we welcome home the residents of Woodhill Center East
From the Housing Authority of the City of Austin's (HACA) press release:
An 8-year, resident-focused redevelopment of the Pathways at Chalmers Courts neighborhood in East Austin culminated Friday with a celebration to mark the completion of one of the largest projects to date for the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA).
The third – and final – phase, the 156-unit Pathways at Chalmers Courts West, was recently completed. Earlier phases – the 86-unit Pathways at Chalmers Courts South and the 156-unit Pathways at Chalmers Courts East – debuted in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
Completing the project in phases minimized resident displacement during the construction process. Combined, the three phases offer 398 mixed-income units. Unit sizes range from 1-bedroom to 4-bedrooms, allowing HACA to serve more families with children who enjoy convenient access to neighborhood schools.
The new Pathways at Chalmers Courts replaces a former HACA office building dating back to the 1980s, as well as the original, 158-unit Chalmers Courts public housing community, which was initially built between 1938 and 1942 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.
“This is a tremendous day for HACA – and for the entire community,” HACA President and CEO Michael Gerber said. “We have more than doubled the total number of units, making it possible to house more of Austin’s families most in need."
“We’ve never rebuilt an entire neighborhood before. HACA worked incredibly hard to get to this point and we’re proud to be able to provide Chalmers Courts residents with beautiful new homes with energy efficient appliances, central air, washer/dryer hookups, free Google Fiber internet and a number of other amenities."
Community features include a first-of-its-kind on-site CommUnity Care medical and dental clinic, expanded Boys & Girls Club, rooftop solar panels, a splash pad and basketball court.
Local and federal officials were on hand for the celebration, including U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and District 3 Austin City Councilmember José Velásquez.
Pathways at Chalmers Courts is located in Velásquez’s Council district.
“Affordability is the most pressing issue facing the City of Austin – the urgency cannot be minimized,” Velásquez said. “I’m grateful to see Pathways at Chalmers Courts going up in District 3, helping the Austinites I serve each day by offering 300-plus units of affordable housing. We need more of it! And that’s what I’m fighting for.”
Other officials on hand include new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Regional Administrator Candace Valenzuela and HACA Board of Commissioners Chairman Carl S. Richie Jr. and Board Member Mary Apostolou.
“It has been an honor and a pleasure to watch the transformation of Chalmers Courts,” Richie said. “We’re not stopping here though. We’re committed to East Austin. We’ve got the Rosewoood Courts redevelopment already under way, with Santa Rita Courts set to follow soon after."
Innovative federal housing programs made it possible to expand and modernize Chalmers Courts. Texas-based Carleton Companies was HACA’s development partner for all three Pathways at Chalmers Courts phases. Austin-based Nelsen Partners served as architect for the Chalmers Courts redevelopment.
“The new construction at Chalmers Courts substantially improves overall living conditions, making it possible for children to continue attending their neighborhood schools, and further helps strengthen the community ties among all the residents,” said Printice Gary, Managing Partner for Carleton Companies. “Carleton Companies couldn’t be happier to be a part of the neighborhood renaissance at Chalmers Courts.”
From WTKR 3 News Norfolk:
If you live in neighborhoods like Huntersville, Franklin Arms or Calvert’s Square, running basic every day errands can be a real challenge, with the closest grocery store in some of these communities sitting multiple miles away. This is even more of an issue for seniors and for residents who can’t drive. Luckily, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is stepping in to help.
On Wednesday, a bus of more than 100 people pulled up to the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Senior Fest at the Chartway Arena, with some coming from these neighborhoods.
“It was good and I got to see sections of the town that I’ve never scene before,” said one Norfolk resident, Geraldine Jennings, when talking about the bus ride.
Jennings says she finds it hard to run some errands in her community because she can’t drive and has trouble walking.
“We can’t walk to the store and then our scooters don’t hold that much,” she told News 3.
To combat the problem, the NRHA teamed up with Agape tours to bus residents for free to the supermarket and to certain special events like the senior expo.
“There’s not a lot of food, healthy foods, for them to be able to access in that immediate area. So having the transportation, it provides them the opportunity to get the things they need,” said NRHA’s Community Relations Manager, Corey Brooks.
Brooks says these trips aren’t just vital for the physical health for the people in these communities, but also their mental health, as seniors tend to live more isolated lives.
From WTKR News Norfolk's article "NRHA offering free rides to residents in Norfolk food deserts."
From WAVY 10 News Norfolk:
Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) partnered with the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Virginia for a Born Learning Trail in Grandy Village.
Serving as an educational resource and an opportunity for community engagement, the Born Learning Trail is set to promote early childhood literacy, education and parental involvement.
Residents of all ages will notice colorful shapes, images and numbers painted on the sidewalk while walking the Born Learning Trail. There’s also a series of 10 signs that encourage specific learning activities like counting, identifying colors or learning about nature.
“The Born Learning Trail will give the Grandy Village’s families and children opportunities to connect and learn about nature,” said Raytron White, president of the Grandy Village Tenant Management Council. “It’s a perfect opportunity to have fun learning while improving health.”
Read WAVY 10 News' article "Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority to Unveil Born Learning Trail in Grandy Village."