CLPHA Press Room

From the Tacoma Housing Authority's press release:

Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) and its nonprofit subsidiary, Tacoma Housing Development Group (THDG), announced an $80,000 grant from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) to support the expansion of the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Project - a comprehensive initiative designed to advance academic success, social-emotional development, and mental health for young people living in THA communities. VMFH recently announced a commitment of $1.8 million to 29 local nonprofits, awarded through its 2026 Community Health Improvement Grants program; THA was among the 29 grant recipients.  

The grant will help scale ELO’s proven summer enrichment model into year-round learning. During the 2026–2027 program year, ELO will expand from a five-week to an eight-week summer program and introduce after-school learning sessions for children and youth ages 5–18 across multiple THA properties.  

Addressing Urgent Community Health and Education Needs  

Youth living in low-income households often face systemic inequities, trauma, and limited access to safe, high-quality learning environments. The ELO Project aims to reduce these barriers through consistent exposure to caring adults, structured activities, supportive peer relationships, and opportunities for creativity and joy.  

The ELO Project is a collaborative partnership between Tacoma Housing Authority, SOP Projects (Seeds of Peace), and Greentrike. Together, these organizations will serve more than 2,400 children and youth, focusing on those experiencing academic disengagement, social isolation, trauma, or behavioral and mental health challenges.  

Programming will include:  

• Social-emotional learning (SEL) skill building  
• Mental health supports and wellness workshops  
• Academic tutoring and enrichment  
• STEM and arts activities  
• Mentorship opportunities  
• Physical activity and play based learning  

THA will provide grant oversight and program management, ensuring success for its properties and residents. SOP Projects (Seeds of Peace) will lead SEL, conflict resolution, youth led coordination, and mental health awareness initiatives—including training youth leaders in Teen Mental Health First Aid. Greentrike will provide curriculum development, staff training, and support to ensure equitable, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.  

“This investment allows us to provide year-round programming that strengthens emotional resilience, builds academic confidence, and nurtures the unique potential of young people in our communities,” said THA Executive Director April Black. “We are deeply grateful to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health for recognizing the importance of prevention-focused, community-rooted development for young people.” 

The expanded ELO Project will help ensure that the program is fostering long-term wellbeing, reducing summer learning loss, and helping close opportunity gaps for THA youth.  

From the Durham Housing Authority's press release:

The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Durham ("DHA") announced today the retirement of Interim Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Snell, effective February 6, 2026. Mr. Snell has made the difficult decision to bring his career in the public sector to a close in order to return home and spend more time with his family.

Mr. Snell joined DHA in 2020. As its Director of Real Estate, he was the driving force behind the development of several high-profile affordable housing projects including JJ Henderson, The Joyce, 500 East Main, Elizabeth Street Apartments, Commerce Street Apartments, Dillard Street Apartments, Villages of Hayti, Tribute Rising, numerous public-private partnerships and many more. Additionally, Mr. Snell was instrumental in fostering a collaborative and impactful partnership between DHA and City of Durham in connection with the City's commitment to investing in the preservation and development of affordable housing.  

Since December 2024, Mr. Snell has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of DHA. During his tenure, Mr. Snell has strengthened both operational and financial stability at DHA. The Board extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Snell for his outstanding dedication and leadership during his term of service with DHA. 

The Board also announced both that it will begin a national search for the next permanent Chief Executive Officer and that Ashanti Brown will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer during this transition period. Ms. Brown currently serves as DHA's Chief Operating Officer. She began her tenure at DHA in 2017 as the first Director of Strategic Management and has served as the Chief Operating Officer since 2024.  

"I join my fellow Commissioners in congratulating Mr. Snell on an outstanding career at DHA and in the public sector," said Mayme Webb Bledsoe, Chair of the DHA Board of Commissioners. Mr. Snell's firm leadership and strategic vision have set DHA on a successful path into the future. We wish him well in his retirement."

"I want the citizens of Durham, particularly DHA residents, to know that my service here has been one of the highlights of my career," said Mr. Snell. I sincerely appreciated the support and guidance of the Board of Commissioners and the City of Durham, and the commitment of the DHA staff. I am confident that the progress made under my leadership will serve the Durham community well into the future."

From Goldsboro Daily News:

The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro (HACG) has announced the hiring of Michele Wiggins as the agency’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Wiggins brings extensive experience in housing administration and community development, including prior service with HACG. She previously served as Director of Grant Management from 2015 to 2020 and later as Director of Strategy and Innovation from 2020 to 2021.

Most recently, Wiggins worked with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety as a Housing Opportunities Manager, overseeing a portfolio exceeding $200 million in HUD Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funding. Her established working relationships with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at both the state and federal levels are expected to be a strong asset to the Authority.

Board Chair Sherry Archibald said Wiggins’ experience and leadership made her the clear choice for the role.

“Ms. Wiggins’ depth of experience, proven leadership, and passion for serving our community make her an outstanding choice to lead HACG,” Archibald said. “Her desire to return and work closely with our staff, residents and community stakeholders reflects her strong commitment to our mission.”

Read Goldsboro Daily News' article. 

From the Cambridge Housing Authority's press release:

The Board of Commissioners of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) voted unanimously to appoint Clara Fraden as the agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). CHA is charged with providing deeply affordable housing and housing subsidies to over 13,500 individuals in and around Cambridge. Fraden will become the first woman to lead CHA as chief administrator. Her appointment will take effect on March 30, 2026.

“The CHA Board of Commissioners is excited to announce CHA’s new CEO,” said CHA Board Chairperson Elaine DeRosa. “Ms. Fraden brings more than a decade of community development and organizational leadership experience. She has a deep understanding of Cambridge and our communities, a passion for identifying new housing opportunities, and respect for the people the housing authority serves. We know Ms. Fraden will lead CHA’s affordable housing initiatives with excellence and care.”

In accepting the appointment, Fraden said, “Housing is a human right and the foundation of a strong community. CHA is a national leader, proof of what the public sector can achieve with sustained investment, strong infrastructure, and deeply committed residents and staff. I am grateful to Mike and my predecessors, colleagues, residents and neighbors, and many city, state, and federal partners for the foundation they’ve built. I look forward to building on that work to preserve, strengthen, and grow communities where everyone can thrive.”

Fraden, who has a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, has spent the past eight years at CHA in roles of increasing responsibility. As a Project Manager, she led efforts to preserve and create more than 1,200 homes across Cambridge. Most recently, Fraden served as Director of Planning, where she guided a multidisciplinary team advancing a redevelopment pipeline exceeding $1 billion throughout Massachusetts.

As CEO, Fraden brings a deep commitment to resident-centered leadership and public accountability, with a collaborative approach that has earned trust among residents, staff, and public and private partners at all levels. Her work pairs large-scale public housing redevelopment with initiatives that strengthen resident stability and well-being. During her tenure at CHA, she has spearheaded health and housing efforts, including expanding access to fresh, healthy food, embedding healthcare professionals onsite, and leading CHA’s expansion into permanent supportive housing.

“Clara makes herself available, listens intently, and works tirelessly to find the most impactful way to serve residents’ needs,” said Kenny Correia, a Cambridge firefighter and registered nurse at Cambridge Health Alliance, who has partnered with CHA to improve healthcare access for residents. “Clara is an effective leader who truly cares. She brings out the best in everyone.”

Fraden is also a Cambridge resident and a mother, bringing both professional expertise and a personal connection to the residents CHA serves.

Jean Hannon, a CHA resident and member of the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants, spoke at the board meeting confirming Fraden’s appointment: “I thank the commissioners for the time and energy everyone has put into this search process, and for selecting such a talented and energetic individual as CEO. I’d also like to let Clara know how grateful I am that she’s decided to pursue this role. I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Fraden will succeed Executive Director Michael J. Johnston, who is retiring after 34 years of dedicated service to CHA, including more than nine years as Executive Director. “I am happy to see the Board has appointed someone whom I know will work hard to continue the foundation and successes created by those who sat in the seat before me and the incredible CHA workforce,” said Johnston.

The Board of Commissioners expressed deep gratitude to Johnston for his steady and exceptional leadership, his commitment to residents and staff, and the strong institutional foundation he leaves behind. CHA thanks the Board of Commissioners for leading a thoughtful and inclusive search process, as well as the staff and residents whose input helped inform this important decision.

From the NYCHA Journal:

Supporting a neighbor, friend, or family member through a mental health challenge is everyone’s duty. Building on that shared responsibility and care, NYCHA hosted its first-ever Community Mental Health Summit on December 6, 2025, at The New School, bringing together residents, community leaders, service providers, and City agency partners for a day of learning, connection, and healing.  

The Summit focused on deepening understanding of mental health and wellbeing while strengthening the ability to prevent and respond to mental health needs across NYCHA communities. It was organized in partnership with the NYCHA Mental Health Task Force, which brings together residents and partners to advance access to mental health and wellbeing supports that decrease stigma and nurture health, opportunity, and empowerment. 

Approximately 90 attendees participated in the Summit’s interactive workshops, storytelling, and resource-building. Workshop topics included intergenerational trauma and healing practices, mental health 101 and education and awareness, substance use and recovery, supporting NYCHA’s youth, and crisis prevention and response. 

The Summit was kicked off with words from Dr. Paul Archibald, who grew up at NYCHA’s Mariner’s Harbor development and is an associate professor, Master of Social Work program director, and Chair of the Department of Social Work at CUNY’s College of Staten Island. “One in 16 New Yorkers is a NYCHA resident,” Dr. Archibald said. “Today we gather together to make a change. We can actually lead the way for all New Yorkers to build community that supports mental health.”  

Facilitators and speakers represented a wide range of expertise and lived experience, including NYCHA Resident Health Initiatives staff, resident leaders, academic partners, City agencies, and community-based organizations. Partners who hosted the Summit included The New School Center for Global Mental Health, the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health, and the NYC Health Department. 

Shetara Turner, a NYCHA resident who is also the Smoke-Free NYCHA Senior Liaison, gave a presentation at the Summit. “Today, we learned about how mental health and healing happens in a community,” she said. “It’s important to know about available resources. You never know when you can help connect a neighbor or family member or friend.” 

In a post-Summit survey, more than 90 percent of the respondents indicated that because of the Summit they feel better equipped to prevent or respond to a mental health crisis. Participants also said: 

• “I feel more prepared because it reminds me that mental health resources are powerful ways to impact not just one person but the network they belong to.   
• “I feel equipped to be a beacon of information.” 
• “I can help others understand they’re not alone.” 
• “I definitely feel equipped to assist and help these crises.” 

NYCHA resident Norma Alexander echoed her fellow residents’ feelings about the resources provided: “The presentation on prevention and response was amazing. This is the level of information I have been seeking.” 

NYCHA Community Mental Health Partnership Manager Stephen Antony Beasley, who helped organize the event, said the Summit “was an amazing day of passion, caring, listening, and learning; it is my great hope that residents and partners continue to grow work to build awareness and education, community wellness, and crisis prevention and response to build sustainable approaches that improve community mental health and wellbeing across NYCHA communities.”