CLPHA Press Room

From The NYCHA Journal:

Since June 2022, NYCHA’s Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES) Office has partnered with Working Credit to help NYCHA residents in public housing and Section 8 take the steps they need to improve their credit scores. Working Credit is a non-profit organization that provides credit-building workshops and counseling to help participants achieve their financial goals.  

The NYCHA Journal spoke with Morgan Spears, Chief Community Engagement Officer at Working Credit, to learn more about the organization, its mission to interrupt structural racism in the credit system, and how it partners with NYCHA residents.  

Tell us about Working Credit.  
We’re a national non-profit with a mission to interrupt structural racism by providing equitable access to credit-building education, credit-building counseling and coaching support, as well as getting people connected to affordable products they need to thrive financially. We serve a lot of different organizations and companies all across the country.  

We offer workshops where we do an in-depth dive about what credit is and how the credit system works. Our goal is to demystify credit because there’s so much misinformation out there that can lead people astray. We want to get people accurate information about the credit system so they can build or rebuild their credit in a way where they’re able to thrive [according to how] financial success looks like for them. We recognize that how one person defines financial success is different than the next person.  

We provide one-on-one credit-building counseling and coaching support. This is how we partner with NYCHA residents. An individual gets paired with a credit-building counselor and they’ll work together for an entire year, so that person could message the counselor as much or as little as they want. They do a 60-minute credit building counseling session where they discuss what their financial goals are, what their current financial status is, and where they want to be in three months, six months, or 12 months from now. In the counseling session we pull their credit report; it’s a soft pull that does not impact the credit score because we’re doing it for educational purposes. We’re able to show them what’s on their report, what their credit score is today, and how we can help them improve or increase their credit score to reach their goals. We then create a credit action plan that’s very individualized and tailored to that person.   

What does successful completion of the program look like?  
One thing I love about our program is that the way we define success is based upon that individual’s credit action plan. That being said, we do have some primary metric indicators, such as how many residents increase their credit score from when they started the program until when they hit the 12-month mark, but most importantly, how many of those residents were able to get a prime credit score, which is above a 660. Ideally, we’ll have a lot of people increase their credit score – but a score above a 660 will make a substantial financial difference in how they’re able to navigate their day-to-day finances. 

Can you share a success story with us?  
Yes! We had a NYCHA resident who started with a pretty low credit score of 490, as well as unpaid collections that were affecting her credit rating. Despite facing a tough time with her income decreasing, she kept working hard on her credit. We helped her get rid of that unpaid collection, and in just one year her credit score increased 172 points.  

We’ve reached over 300 NYCHA residents. In our data from 2023 with NYCHA residents after 12 months, 42 percent of total residents reached a prime credit score, and 60 percent of the total increased their overall credit score. There were people who started the program without a credit score, but after completing the 12 months in the program, 100 percent of the residents we work with became scorable.  

We try to reach as many residents as we can. Next month we’re going to be doing more workshops and starting our next cycle with NYCHA residents.   

Is there anything else you want NYCHA residents to know about Working Credit?  
I want to highlight that Working Credit is very committed to interrupting structural racism and we recognize that a large part of our financial system historically and currently is rooted in systemic racism in terms of how it was created and how it oftentimes keeps a large majority of people of color outside of being able to access affordable credit. Even though the credit-scoring algorithm itself does not take race into account, our financial system does.   

I’m a big proponent of making sure people have the proper knowledge, but having knowledge is one thing; having the opportunity and support to implement what you know is another thing. What our program really tries to get at is to create more equity in the credit system to allow for people who have historically been disenfranchised and marginalized out of financial systems to be able to enter the space, not just with knowledge but also with the support that’s needed for them to thrive.  

From The NYCHA Journal:

Calling all artists: Apply to be one of the first artists in residence at a NYCHA development as part of a new program, From Roots to Arts: Celebrating NYCHA’s Cultural Heritage, which will enrich and expand the culture, heritage, and art narratives within public housing by placing local artists and residents at the forefront.  

From Roots to Arts will span 20 months, from 2024 through 2026, and feature five artists who will have a residency at a NYCHA development in each borough. Artists will work closely with residents to create art and cultivate a deeper sense of community and personal expression while bringing their talents and perspectives to enrich the lives of over 12,000 NYCHA residents. 

The artist-in-residence program is supported by a generous $3 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to The Public Housing Community Fund (Fund), an organization committed to enhancing the lives of NYCHA residents. The Fund is partnering with NYCHA, the NYC Mayor’s Office, and several other City agencies on From Roots to Arts. 

“Thanks to the generous support from the Mellon Foundation, this initiative will foster a dynamic platform where art and community intersect and thrive,” said Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund. “This is a clarion call to all artists passionate about making a difference in our communities—your creativity has the power to inspire and uplift. I encourage every interested artist to apply and join us in shaping a legacy of cultural enrichment that echoes throughout our public housing and beyond.” 

The NYCHA developments selected for the program are Astoria Houses in Queens, Bushwick Houses in Brooklyn, Bronx River Houses in the Bronx, King Towers in Manhattan, and Richmond Terrace in Staten Island. Each artist will receive a dedicated program space provided by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and its funded Cornerstone programs. 

Prior to the launch of the program, approximately 200 NYCHA residents participated in community days where they shared their preferences and feedback on the type of art and artists they wanted to engage with.  

“It’s always exciting to provide residents with a positive outlet for artistic expression and this truly unique artist-in-residency opportunity will give the selected resident-artists an amazing platform to showcase their work in a way that enriches NYCHA campuses and communities,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We are very thankful to the Public Housing Community Fund and our city partners for helping to bring this spectacular program to life for NYCHA residents, and I, for one, cannot wait to see the amazing artwork that comes from it.” 

From the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh's website:

Pittsburgh area high schoolers are learning valuable hands-on skills through the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s (HACP) new Carpentry Co-Op Program, in partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The program, launched in early March 2024, is led by Misty Clark, Senior Project Manager in HACP’s Central Facilities Management. She currently works with two students, Caleb Bush and Mason Maxwell, who are enrolled in Carrick High School’s Career & Technical Education Carpentry Program.

“The type of learning provided through the CTE program in Pittsburgh Public Schools is a great addition that many students are not able to receive in their classrooms,” says Mayor Ed Gainey. “What’s being taught, and, more importantly, how it’s being taught, will create an influx of young talent in the workforce ultimately making our local economy richer and more diverse.”

Clark teaches Caleb and Mason three days a week until May 30. Work is done in Bedford Dwellings in the Hill District – both in HACP’s carpenter’s shop at 22 Bedford Ave. and in some apartments that are currently under renovation.

With Clark’s expertise, Caleb and Mason are gaining real-world experience that will help them when they enter the Carpenters’ Union in May. The skyscraper’s literally the limit for the number of projects they will work on once they begin their careers as commercial carpenters.

Caleb says he was looking into different programs that he may be interested in joining, and opted to enroll in carpentry.

“I started liking it over the years, and I’ve made a lot of friends through it,” he says. “I’ve also helped some of my friends join the program.”

Mason says he has been studying carpentry at Carrick for the past three years.

“My interest in carpentry started when I was young,” he adds. “My dad was a contractor who did his own work, building decks and drywall, and that made me want to do it myself.”

Both Caleb and Mason agree the Carpentry Co-Op is expanding their knowledge and hands-on experience.

“We can only do so much at school,” Mason notes. “This expands what we do at school. One big thing we are learning here that we’ve never done before is floor tile. Mrs. Clark is really nice and cool, and she treats us well. She shows us things we didn’t know.”

“Mrs. Clark also teaches us little helpful tips and tricks that will prepare us for the union,” adds Caleb. “If I ever want to build my own house or something, I’ve learned new skills because of her, like cutting and laying floor tiles.”

He adds Clark gave them personalized tool bags they can take with them.

“She didn’t even know us, but she made sure we had what we needed on the job. I think that speaks of the program and staff at HACP,” Caleb says.

Caleb and Mason both enjoy building things from scratch, especially seeing the finished product.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that I built that,” he says. “Not a lot of people do what we do.”

Caleb and Mason have also learned the difference between hanging left-hand and right-hand doors, cutting different materials, machine safety, and adding baseboards in the apartment. They will also learn to work with smaller tools, hang towel bars and other measures needed to ready an apartment for inspection, and read blueprints, among other skills.

Caleb and Mason also credit Tom Bender, Council Representative with the Carpenters’ Union Local 432, with growing their interest in the trade.

“I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but he helped us figure out what we want for our future. I’m not saying we’re set yet, but we have a pretty good future planned,” Caleb says.

As they continue their education, Caleb says he hopes to learn a little bit of everything, including working with metal studs and welding.

Clark has worked for HACP since 2005, and enjoys making the tenants happy and working together with fellow staff as a team.

She says she is excited to grow the program and continue teaching students the ins and outs of carpentry.

“Hopefully, the housing authority can hire one or more of the students one day,” she adds.

Kristen Johnson, Cooperative Education Coordinator with Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Career & Technical Education program, says the program is better than she could have imagined.

“Misty has been exceptionally organized and helpful. She has put a lot of thought and effort into making sure the students are having an excellent experience and gaining new skills. She has been in constant communication with me, as well making sure that we are all doing what is in the best interest of the students,” she says.

Johnson notes this is the first full year of co-op programs in Pittsburgh Public Schools in more than a decade. She works with seniors in the Career & Technical Education programs to help them find jobs during their last year to help them gain more hands-on experience and skills. She says they hope to expand their reach with more partnerships for students to work with in the future, to help them “grow beyond the classroom walls and begin their professional journey in industry.”

“I encourage all students to think about what they want their day-to-day life to be like and create a career path that aligns with their values. To do this, students need experiences. I think students who are in CTE programs have more support in identifying a variety of pathways where they can find their passion,” Johnson adds.

Michelle Ralston, HACP’s Senior Director of Facility Services, says, “HACP is able to provide maintenance service to our residents due to the hard work of our skilled trades. We should promote the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades, such as job security and competitive salaries. By supporting and encouraging youth to explore the trades we can help them discover their passion and potential in a rewarding and fulfilling career, thus supporting a skilled and thriving workforce for the future.”

Caleb and Mason have the following advice for fellow students seeking similar career paths.

“Do it. Work hard and put your mind to it. This isn’t a job where you can slack off,” Mason says.

Caleb also advises them to always pay attention.

“Learn as much as you can, as often as you can,” he adds.

From CW 39 News Houston:

The Columbia Tap Trail in Houston’s Third Ward will officially unveil its new pocket park and trail connection at the historic walking path on May 11 at 10 a.m. and will feature live music, food trucks, cycling activities and a kid’s zone.

The Third Ward on Tap “Tre Edition” unveiling event invites the community to celebrate the vibrancy of Third Ward and the trail. David A. Northern, Sr., CEO and President of Houston Housing Authority (HHA) said, “The completion of the Cuney Homes pocket park and trail connection is a significant step forward for our residents and the citizens of Third Ward.”

Northern said the revitalization of the trail is a reflection of the commitment to enhancing the community by creating accessible public spaces. HHA remained focused on leading vitality efforts by fostering a safer, more connected community.

Read CW 39 News Houston's article "Third Ward to unveil new pocket park at historic “Sugar Road” in Cuney Homes."

From Signal Cleveland:

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) hosted a Mother’s Day celebration for mothers and their loved ones currently living in CMHA housing. This annual event, in its 20th year, was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. This year’s theme was “Hattitude,” as participants were encouraged to show up in their Sunday best. 

I spoke with CMHA employees Valerie James, senior services manager, and Lissette Rivera, director of external affairs and community partnerships. James led the charge in organizing this year’s event, with support from Rivera.  

“I’m a mom, Ms. Rivera is a mom and so many of our clients are moms. Being a mom … there’s a lot of responsibility there,” James said. 

Rivera nodded in agreement. 

“This event was created to celebrate all the wonderful mothers in the community and what it means to be a mother."

Read Signal Cleveland's article "‘Hattitude’: Mother’s Day event at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority."