HHA Board of Commissioners members (from left to right - Kristy Kirkendoll, Nicola Fuentes Toubia, Chairman LaRence Snowden, Shondra Wygal, Tim Horan, and Vice Chair Phillis Wilson) at the site of the new Independence Heights Apartments, along with former HHA Board Chairman Lance Gilliam (2nd from right) and HHA President & CEO Tory Gunsolley (far right).

IN THIS ISSUE4567

HHA Youth Summit

HHA Internship Program; CM Gallegos’ Senior Prom

Profile: David Enrique Ruiz

HHR-CVO Golf Tournament

HHA 2017GOALSImprove Agency Performance

Increase Quantity and Quality of Housing

Increase Resident Self-Sufficiency

Increase Customer Satisfaction

Increase Community Engagement and Participation

OURMISSIONTo improve lives by providing

quality, affordable housing options

and promoting education and

economic self-sufficiency.

(continued on p. 3)

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2, THIRD QUARTER 2017

A ‘Groundbreaking’ Achievement in Independence HeightsElected officials, business leaders and community stakeholders join HHA to start the development of Houston’s newest multifamily mixed-income community.

The first day of spring was a grand day for the Houston Housing Authority, as the agency broke ground on its newest mixed-income residential development in Independence Heights. Located one mile west of Interstate 45 and north of the 610 Loop (302 Crosstimbers), the 154-unit building will provide housing for low-income individuals and families.

HHA | THE HOME EDITION THIRD QUARTER | 2

The likelihood of the federal funding desired by housing advocates continues to look bleak, as members of Congress propose their draft bills for fiscal year 2018. Both the House and Senate call for significant reductions to the allotted funds to public housing agencies nationwide – funding that supports the issuance of vouchers, grants, and services that combat homelessness. While the future remains uncertain, the HHA will continue to administer programming and services to the best of its ability.

Locally, the construction of the new Independence Heights project is moving forward and progressing well. Once completed, the 154-unit property will offer affordable living and stability for working, low-income individuals and families.

HHA and its non-profit affiliate Houston Housing Resource awarded seven scholarships to amazing youth in our communities. The agency’s 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Summer Internship Program, and its first-ever Youth Summit at Texas Southern University offered opportunities to highlight these young people’s interests in higher education and personal achievement.

Also, HHA is now concluding the construction phase of the energy service partnership contract with Siemens. The 2-year initiative has resulted huge benefits for our residents (installments of interior and exterior LED lighting; new water heaters, lawn irrigation systems, and interior fixtures; new fire-safety technology for electric stoves). These updates have resulted in over $2 million in utility costs savings over 2017, plus improvements to the quality of life for our residents.

CEOCORNER In the weeks following Hurricane

Harvey and the its catastrophic affects across Houston and the surrounding area, the Houston Housing Authority moved swiftly to provide aid to its clients who have been impacted. Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered inconveniences and loss of property. We ask for your patience as the assessment process continues.

In August, HHA will hold public meetings to share details of our Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Plan – check our web site for more information. We look forward to these discussions and the input to be received from residents of our communities, as this feedback helps to ensure that the policies we develop benefit the lives of the people we serve.

PROGRAMSat thePROPERTIESHOUSTON HOUSING RESOURCE ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR DISTRESSED INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIESHHA’s non-profit affiliate Houston Housing Resource is accepting donations to help provide immediate

NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTSHHA Public Housing Operations (PHO) is pleased to announce the two new selections for the department’s management staff:

Cheryl D. Rivers has been promoted to serve as Deputy Director of Housing Operations. She will work to advance the Agency’s vision by providing leadership to build cohesiveness for achieving optimal standards and productivity, collaborating with department directors to ensure established goals are achieved.

Gilda Jackson has been promoted to serve as Director of Client Services. She will utilize her background in Social Services to provide lead support in ensuring quality of program activities, compliance with grants and contracts, and staff development to contribute to agency success.

STAYCONNECTEDWITH USFollow us to learn about events and meetings at our properties There are plenty of pictures, people, and activities happening…get online and join the fun!

emergency assistance to distressed individuals and families affected by Hurricane Harvey. Contributions are being facilitated through PayPal at this link:

http://www.paypal.com/uk/fundraiser/charity/2022228

For details regarding this effort, please contact HHA Special Assistant to the President & CEO Donna Dixon by email at ddixon@housingforhouston.com or call (713) 260-0754.

HHA | THE HOME EDITION THIRD QUARTER | 3

Independence Heights GroundbreakingTo be completed in Fall 2018, the ground breaking ceremony represented the culmination of planning and collaboration with community leaders and stakeholders at the local, state and federal level. On hand for the commemorative event were a host of elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders, including Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston City Council Members Michael Kubosh and Karla Cisneros; HUD’s Lorraine Walls, Dr. Edward Pringle, and Donna Wickes; HISD Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones; and former HHA Board Chairman Lance Gilliam.

(cont. from p.1)

Renderings of the new Independence Heights Apartments.

“Selected for its access to public transportation and city thoroughfares, the new property will offer a safe and affordable living environment to help advance stability and economic self-sufficiency for residents with low incomes. The Independence Heights development showcases how city officials are working together to help eliminate Houston’s affordable housing shortage.” said HHA President and CEO Tory Gunsolley.

Features at the property will include accessible or adaptable units for handicapped residents, solid wood cabinetry, granite countertops and an on-property community room for social gatherings and meetings. Leasing eligibility at the development is designated for renters with incomes at either 30% or less (37 units) and 60% or less (117 units) of the area median income, supported by a public housing operating subsidy.

“We are proud to work with HHA on this new development and welcome our community’s future residents with open arms. It is important that we diversify the housing stock in Independence Heights and create a space where everyone feels at home,” said Executive Director of Independence Heights Redevelopment Council Tanya Debose.

Financing for the development is provided by Citibank (lender), Alden Torch Financial, LLC (investor), community development block grant disaster recovery funds (issued by Texas’ General Land Office and distributed by the City of Houston), and capital funds from the HHA.

Construction for the new housing project is underway and is progressing well. Leasing applications for tenants are projected to become available to the public by mid-2018.

Images of the construction progress at the site of the new Independence Heights Apartments. Development of the 154-unit housing project began in April 2017.

HHA | THE HOME EDITION THIRD QUARTER | 4

HHA hosts first-everYOUTH SUMMITat Texas Southern University

Youth engage mentors on

opportunities for college,

take campus tour, and make

plans to form agency-wide

Youth CouncilYouth Summit participants with mentors at event luncheon.

With a goal of using higher education to break the cycle of poverty, the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) recruited students from its developments and the Housing Choice Voucher Program to form a youth council during its first-ever Youth Summit in June. The focus was to expose young people to college.

Hosted at Texas Southern University (TSU), high-school youth participated in a half-day symposium where they connected with leaders from Houston’s business community who graduated from historically black college and universities, or HCBUs. The young people also toured the TSU campus and developed a plan for a Youth Council made up of high-school aged students, which will meet monthly. It will offer the unique opportunity for young people to give feedback on ways to improve their respective communities, as well as build individual leadership abilities.

“We wanted to expose the students to a college campus, and show them that there’s a lot this world has to offer,” said HHA President & CEO Tory Gunsolley during the Youth Summit. “What young people need to do is to step up, take advantage and never be afraid to ask for help.”

With a defined gap in education attainment based on socioeconomic status, the HHA believes it’s paramount to help students in its housing and social service programs to gain equal access to college opportunities. Other activities planned for the Youth Council include group service projects, mentor training, and field trips.

“I applaud the Houston Housing Authority for its efforts – they truly have these young people’s best interests at heart,” said GOGO Business Communications president and Greater Houston Black Chamber Board Vice-Chair Joi Beasley, who collaborated with

HHA for the program at TSU. ”The agency is constantly working with partners and businesses like mine to develop new initiatives that benefit youth, individuals and families. Now more than ever, young people need to know that there’s an organization like the HHA cheering for them and making efforts to ensure their future success.”

(top) Youth Summit participants speak with Houston ACE Academy Director Xavier Samuels on professional opportunities in aviation; (bottom) Texas Southern University Admissions staff give Youth Summit participants a tour of the campus facilities and colleges of study.

HHA Response & Resources for

HURRICANEHARVEY

While Hurricane Harvey has had a tragic impact on our city and surrounding areas, we are so proud of Houstonians for their massive volunteer efforts and support. Our hearts go out to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and we are working swiftly to help the Houston Housing Authority residents and voucher recipients impacted by the storm. We urge all individuals and families currently being served by the HHA to go to our online portal at http://hha.apply4housing.com and inform us of their status.

The HHA provides affordable homes and services to more than 58,000 Houstonians and we are still collecting data and reaching out to finalize how many have been affected. This is critical for ensuring that we’re able to assist and contact our residents and voucher recipients. If you don’t have access to the internet, HHA residents can also call us at (713) 260-0600.

In addition, know that we are resolving to take all possible action and will provide updates as they come. We request your patience at this difficult time as our staff is working non-stop to assist our HHA residents and voucher recipients. Our top priority now is ensuring everyone is safe and can begin the road to recovery.

We remain Houston STRONG!

Frequently Asked Questions...A reminder that all matters regarding recovery efforts by HHA are dynamic and subject to change...

1. Should I register with FEMA? Yes, this is critical step. Register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-FEMA (3362), and stay in touch. When you register, you will be given a FEMA registration number. Write down your number and save it. You will need the number whenever you contact FEMA.

2. What are the options for those who have been displaced?We strongly advise storm affected families to register with FEMA at the following website for Individual Disaster Assistance:http://www.fema.gov/individual-disaster-assistance

3. Where can I get food and clothing?FEMA is in the process of establishing Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), the locations of which will be widely published.

Frequently Asked Questions...4. Who will be responsible for relocating me? Registering with FEMA is a critical first step. Again, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-FEMA (3362) to register.

(CONT’D.)

5. I do not have renter’s insurance. What are my options? FEMA is in the process of establishing Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), the locations of which will be widely published. We recommend that individuals and families contact FEMA and go to one of the available shelters in the city.

6. I am a public housing resident. Can I receive a voucher?At this time, no additional vouchers are available.

HOUSTON HOUSING RESOURCE ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR DISTRESSED INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIESHHA’s non-profit affiliate Houston Housing Resource (HHR) is now accepting online donations to help provide immediate emergency assistance to distressed individuals & families affected by Hurricane Harvey. Contributions are being facilitated through PayPal at the following link:http://www.paypal.com/uk/fundraiser/charity/2022228

You can also send funds via check, made out to HHR. For details or questions regarding this effort, please contact the agency’s Special Assistant to the President & CEO Donna Dixon by email at ddixon@housingforhouston.com or call (713) 260-0754.

HHR is a section 501(c)(3) charity, assists the Houston Housing Authority in being the largest provider of affordable housing in Houston. The Authority provides safe decent housing to over 60,000 low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

FOR QUESTIONS...HHA asks that you visit its web site (http://www.housingforhouston.com) as a primary resource for valuable information on next steps concerning working with HHA and storm recovery. The site is updated regularly with news and information related to the agency’s progress. At the site, you can find answers to general inquiries and specific questions related to Public Housing residents, Housing Choice Voucher holders, and Landlords.

Be sure also to connect via our social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter for updates and advisories.

HHA | THE HOME EDITION THIRD QUARTER | 5

The HHA 2017 Summer Intern Program:

& DOINGEARNING LEARNING,

Each summer, the Houston Housing Authority gains a few ‘extra hands’ to manage the work among its various departments. As part of the agency’s Summer Internship Program, each participating high school student comes from the HHA’s Public Housing communities. From June to August, these young people work daily at HHA and benefit from opportunities to earn compensation, meet with business professionals and learn career skills.

“Being the steward of the agency’s Summer Internship Program has been a worthwhile experience, increasing my appreciation for the value of mentorship,” says Section 3 Coordinator Damien Kelly. “It’s my hope these young people can be shining examples of the positive, formative impacts affordable housing has on communities.”

Participants for 2017 include Clayton Homes residents Abubakar Hassan and Mjiwa Hassan; Cuney Homes residents Jahtera King and Lauren Tijerina; Fulton Village residents Aaliyah Ramirez and Jesenia Vela; Historic Oaks of Allen Parkway Village residents Rainece Foster, Allen Sadler and Alana Scott.

For some of the interns, their work this summer at HHA coincides with graduation from high school and preparations to head off to college. Intern Mjiwa Hassan has participated in the HHA internship for four consecutive years, and is now making plans to start as a freshman at Texas Southern University pursuing a major in Business Administration.

“I’ve enjoyed each of my summers at the HHA,” says Hassan. “The internship has helped me build my resume and prepare for the future. I’d like to be an accountant, and this experience has shown me what it’s going to be like in an office environment.”HHA receptionist Kimberly Fenley working with 2017 intern

Aaliyah Ramirez on administrative data entry in the agency`s Public Housing Operations department.

Interns meeting for a `lunch and learn` session with HHA President & CEO Tory Gunsolley.

The Summer 2017 participants in the HHA Student Internship Program.

HHA’s Telephone Road seniors put on their dancing shoes for the 3rd Annual District I Senior Citizens PromAs part of Older Americans’ Month in May, residents from the Telephone Road senior building attended Houston City Councilmember Robert Gallegos’ third annual Senior Citizens Prom, hosted at the South Houston/Hobby Airport Marriott Hotel. Over 300 seniors were in attendance and enjoyed an evening of dancing, music, and good times.

A highlight of the event was 70-year old Telephone Road resident Audrey Boudreaux’s crowning as this year’s Prom Queen for the event. The Louisiana native and grandmother was elated by the recognition, as she did not attend her own high school prom. Congratulations, Audrey!

City Councilmember Robert Gallegos withTelephone Road resident Audrey Boudreaux

HHA | THE HOME EDITION THIRD QUARTER | 6

Bank of America Executive

DAVID ENRIQUE RUIZJoins HHA Board Of Commissioners

The Houston Housing Authority Board of Commissioners has a new appointee – Bank of America Senior Vice President and Houston Market Manager David Enrique Ruiz. The third appointee of Mayor Sylvester Turner, Mr. Ruiz leads the organization’s local grant-making process and serves as a champion for low- and moderate-income communities, managing relationships with community leaders and nonprofit organizations.

“While I don’t have a particular agenda, I look forward to making the agency as productive as possible,” says Ruiz. “I see my responsibility as supporting the efforts of the agency President and CEO – as a resource, connector, and valued advisor.”

A local resident for over 27 years, Ruiz is deeply engaged in the work of addressing the needs of Houston’s underserved population. Describing his role with Bank of America as working to help make financial lives better by putting people on the path to economic mobility, Ruiz believes the Authority serves a vital role in addressing Houston’s most challenging housing needs that can be barriers to economic stability.

“One of the pressing issues facing the region is lack of affordable housing, especially for our workforce. Many apartment buildings and modestly priced homes over time have been demolished, being replaced with luxury townhomes and higher-end structures.

While the HHA works actively to address this need, I believe the involvement of public and private sector developers would help HHA reach its goals more quickly,” said Ruiz.Ruiz is also a proponent of businesses and nonprofits partnering to provide workforce development training for low-income Houstonians to achieve meaningful employment.

“I think that the more income individuals and families can earn, the more say they can have in deciding where they choose to live,” said Ruiz.

Hailing from the South Texas’ city of Mission, Ruiz grew up in a migrant farmworker family and was encouraged by his laborer parents to pursue higher education. This guidance inspired him to attend college and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University. He would follow this with his completion of a dual graduate degree from Tulane University – a Masters of Arts in Latin American Studies and Masters of Business Administration in Finance.

Ruiz is a supporter of education and the arts, working with organizations like Teach for America, Hermann Park Conservancy, Houston Grand Opera, and the Menil Collection. In his leisure time, Ruiz also enjoys cycling and often uses the biking trails near Houston’s Inner Loop and municipal green spaces.

HHA | THE HOME EDITION THIRD QUARTER | 7

Houston Housing Resource recognizes 2017 high school graduates at its 6th Annual

Carmen V. Orta Memorial Scholarship Golf TournamentHouston Housing Authority (HHA) non-profit affiliate Houston Housing Resource (HHR) awarded thousands of dollars in academic scholarships to seven outstanding students during its annual Carmen V. Orta (CVO) Memorial Scholarship Charity Golf Tournament. An opportunity to recognize high school graduates within the agency’s Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, the sixth annual event brought together business and community partners of HHA and golf lovers alike. Over $50,000 was raised for the memorial fund, which supports the scholarship recipients and was established in honor of the late Carmen Villarreal Orta. A founding president of HHR, Orta was an HHA Board of Commissioners member and long-time champion of low-income families, education, and affordable housing.

The Authority thanks all of this year’s supporters for their contributions and helping to make a record success. Platinum-level sponsorship came from J. Allen Management Company and Allied Orion Group, LLC. Additional sponsors for the tournament included Charter Title Company, Coats Rose PC, Comcast, Facility Interiors, Arthur J. Gallagher and Company, Goya Foods, Dr. Thomas Jones, JMA Financial Advisors, The Lynd Company, Marimon Business Systems Inc., Mayberry Homes, Siemens Energy, Smile Design Ballard Spahr LLP, and Tarantino Properties.

2017 Carmen V. Orta Scholars

Tommy Villalva, Jr. – the 2017 valedictorian of Wheatley High School, he plans to study business administration at the University of Houston.

Dajai Johnson – a graduate of Hightower High School, she plans to attend Texas Southern University to study criminal justice.

Oluwatobi Eyikogbe – a Jack Yates High School graduate, she plans on pursuing her lifelong goal of becoming a veterinarian, beginning studies at Blinn College and then to Texas A&M University.

José Medina, Jr. – graduating from James Madison High School, he will study history at the University of Houston with aspirations of being a teacher.

Dior Hirwa Cyitatire – a Strake Jesuit College Preparatory grad, he plans to study biology at the University of Texas in Austin.

Genesis Godinez – graduating from Northbrook High School, she plans to study art education at University of North Texas and continue giving back to her community.

Saa Fomba – a member Wheatley High School’s class of 2017, he plans on studying mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University.

Board of CommissionersLaRence Snowden, ChairPhillis Wilson, Vice ChairNicola Fuentes ToubiaShondra E. WygalKristy KirkendollTim HoranDavid Enrique Ruiz

President & CEO Tory Gunsolley

Important Telephone NumbersCustomer Service Hotline: (713) 260-0377

Fraud Hotline:(713) 260-0724

Neighborhood Resource Center:(713) 655-1940

City of Houston Services Helpline: 3-1-1

United Way Helpline:2-1-1

The Home Edition is produced by the Houston Housing Authority

Houston Housing Authority 2640 Fountain View Drive Houston, TX 77057(713) 260-0500

G. Ashley Johnson Communications Coordinator

Comments, articles and photographs are welcomed for The Home Edition newsletter. All submissions must have a name and a phone number to be considered. Due to space limitations, the editor reserves the right to reject or edit copy as necessary.

Email submissions to: G. Ashley Johnsongajohnson@housingforhouston.com

Stay Connected with Us

OCTOBER ‘National Night Out’ / ‘Happy Halloween’10/3-7 ‘National Night Out’ Events... @ Bellerive & Lyerly at 3:00 p.m. (3rd) @ Victory Place & Allen Parkway Village at 5:00 p.m. (3rd) @ Telephone Road, Cuney Homes, Fulton Village, Irvinton Village, Kennedy Place & Kelly Village at 6:00 p.m. (3rd) @ Oxford Place at 3:00 p.m. (7th) 10/6 ‘Party on the Patio’ @ Telephone Road at 3:00 p.m. 10/9 Columbus Day - HHA closed 10/10 Workforce Solutions Fieldtrip @ Irvinton Village at 10:00 a.m. 10/11 Breast Cancer Awareness @ Telephone Road 3:00 p.m. 10/17 Seniors’ Walmart Trip @ Fulton Village & Irvinton Village 10:00 a.m.10/17 Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Lyerly at 3:00 p.m.10/19 Breast Cancer Awareness @ Clayton Homes at 1:00 p.m.10/28-31 Halloween/Fall Festival Events... @ Telephone Road at 11:00 a.m. (28th) @ Oxford Place at 5:00 p.m. (28th) @ Clayton Homes at 3:00 p.m. (31st) @ Kennedy Place at 7:00 p.m. (31st)

NOVEMBER Veterans Day / Happy Thanksgiving11/10 Veterans Day - HHA Closed11/14 Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Clayton Homes at 3:00 p.m.11/23 Thanksgiving Day - HHA Closed 11/24 Day After Thanksgiving Day - HHA Closed

DECEMBER Happy Holidays!12/19 Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Lincoln Park at 3:00 p.m.12/25 Christmas Day - HHA Closed

Visit us online at www.houstonforhousing.comHHA is a Fair Housing and Equal Employment Opportunity Agency

2640 Fountain View DriveHouston, TX 77057(713) 260-0500