Ludlow Reborn Thanks to PHA Development Not Very Long Ago, North “I Love It

Ludlow reborn thanks to PHA development Not very long ago, North “I love it. I don’t have to worry about Philadelphia’s Ludlow section was slippin’ and fallin’ any more,” he says. filled with run down houses and “I really feel like PHA is doin’ a good empty lots. Now, PHA has brought job for the disabled people.” Ludlow back to life with sparkling new homes for both buyers and Pinckney says he would like to have renters. Families began moving his grandchildren visit him at his into PHA’s Ludlow development new home and enjoy his life to the in February. Like all new PHA fullest, without worrying about sites, 10-20 percent of the homes at falling down ever again. Ludlow are handicap accessible — which made it the perfect spot for Cedric Pinckney. A New Beginning Making Science At 49, Pinckney is disabled with Elaine Rembert was also among the Fun Page 03 multiple sclerosis. He used to live in first to move into Ludlow. the Logan neighborhood and had great difficulty climbing the steps “I love my new home, I really do. to his apartment there. He fell on “I really feel like PHA is doin’ a good job for the disabled people,” says Cedric It’s a new beginning for me and my three different occasions, and his Pinckney, standing in front of his new home in PHA’s Ludlow development. children,” she says. doctors wanted to hospitalize him. Depression had set in because he At his new home on North 7th Street, is fully wheelchair accessible. The Rembert, 45, found out last summer could no longer do the things he used Pinckney no longer has to climb 2-bedroom home allows him to have that PHA was taking applications for to do, such as run, play basketball, stairs. Everything is at ground level, a live-in aide who assists him with the new development, and she was play the guitar, and handle his daily and it’s easy for him to move from his daily living activities. living activities. room to room because the house (Continued Page 14) From Roller Derby to Choir Page 04 PHA student poet wins 76ers GM has fond scholarship to Howard memories of PHA Monique Fortune is a PHA resident hang around with her friends and Remember the summer of 1973? fond memories of the two summers who has set a course to make her dream about what she wants to do Gladys Knight and the Pips were on he spent at PHA. dreams a reality. She has a positive with her life. But after you talk with the “Midnight Train to Georgia.” The Keeping Safe attitude and wants to be the best her for a while, you realize that she is Phillies were on their way to a “I was thrown to the wolves,” is Page 6 at whatever task she attempts. “I different. She is strongly focused on 6th place finish. The country how he describes the way have done over and above what is what she wants and knows how to get was still reeling from the housing director Tom Kelly expected of an African American girl there, regardless of what may get in Watergate scandal. and his assistants Dennis my age,” she says proudly. the way. Her favorite saying is “don’t Kirkland and John Tatum INDEX let your surroundings stop you from And Ed Stefanski, a expected the college At first she seems like any other high achieving greatness” — strong words sophomore at Penn, students they’d hired off Senior Living ...... 04 school student. She likes to have fun, from a high school senior. was organizing a the Penn basketball team basketball league at to raise the funding, set Her unique insight into the realities PHA that touched the schedule and organize Executive Director of her life, in addition to her hard the lives of over 500 all the games for the Message ...... 05 work, helped her win a scholarship children between the league. to Howard University for writing a ages of 12 to 18. Youth News ...... 07 poem about where she is from and The young man where she was going. (See page 12). Today Stefanski found himself “My past, my heritage or ‘where I’m is General in front of the Big Bellies ...... 09 from’ has made me who I am today,” Manager of the Chairman she explains. “My outlook on life and Philadelphia Philadelphia 76ers GM Ed Stefanski. of the Board New Museum ...... 11 my goals for the future both were 76ers and of Provident influenced by how I grew up and what spends his time wheeling and Bank explaining what he was trying I’ve been through. I see it like this, dealing with high-price professional to do at PHA. Saving Energy . . . . . 14 “You are responsible for your future,” basketball players as he tries to build says student poet Monique Fortune. (Continued Page 12) a championship team. But he has (Continued Page 12) PHA Inspectors . . . . 15 A Community Newspaper For And About Residents 3 Former Millcreek resident now a hip-hopping chemist Tyraine Ragsdale says he had While he was still working at plans to become a Major League Johnson and Johnson, Kelly Baseball player when he left PHA’s Woodling of the Franklin Institute old Mill Creek development for the asked Ragsdale to help with a University of Pittsburgh in 1983. visiting scientist program that Instead, he ended up becoming a was getting started. Woodling was chemist with Johnson & Johnson impressed with Ragsdale’s credentials on the corporate fast track with a and felt he would be ideal for a corner office. He’d bring friends program designed to interest young from Mill Creek (now rebuilt and people in science and careers in called Lucien E. Blackwell Homes) science. Ragsdale agreed and took to his office in suburban Spring on the Saturday program. House to show them that “this is what you can do.” During one of his presentations, Tyraine says he experienced “an Ragsdale, however, had a higher epiphany moment.” He was talking calling: to start his own business to 100 middle school students, and give back to the community. and he could see he was losing His boss was livid. After all, J & their interest. The former college J had created a position for him DJ known as Grandmaster Hank when none existed, and he was “kicked a rap song,” and the a rising star in the company. But educational rap lecture was born. Grand Hank’s wide-eyed students are fascinated by science. for Tyraine, it was “time for me to go to the next level” after five Ragsdale’s reputation spread, and years on “the best job anybody he kept getting invited to various Grand Hank Productions, want to be in business, then you Tyraine Ragsdale appreciates the could ever want.” locations across the country to talk Incorporated, was born in 1989. need to go and do business.” time he spent growing up at Mill to young people about staying in Tyraine says the business just took off. Creek. He says living there helped “I had made a commitment that I school, getting an education, and Ragsdale left J & J in 1994, just five him develop skill sets that other had never told anyone about,” he getting ahead with a satisfying “I would be traveling to other cities years after he started to pursue his people didn’t have to compete and says. “I said if ever I’m in a position career in science. He realized that at night, flying back during the dream. He recalls that a company survive. And he never thought to give back, then I would do it.” “this rap thing could be big. This day, going to work. I’d use all my secretary told him when he first of himself as poor. Even though could be a business.” vacation up, use all my sick time. started that he would not be there the neighborhood has changed I’d use everything I could get my long because he dramatically, hands on and my business was just had something Ragsdale still growing,” he says. inside that “I said if ever I’m in a has friends “these walls there. Eventually, the money from his cannot hold.” position to give company matched the salary The company, back, then I would do it.” “Grand Hank” he was making at Johnson & by the way, spends his Johnson, where he still worked. was willing to Grand Hank time today He was torn between getting let him work urging young a doctorate in chemistry and just three days people to growing his company. Ragsdale, a week so he could pursue his excel at whatever they choose who had learned all he could business interests! to do, pointing to Africans and about the corporate world and African-Americans who were great business while at J & J, prayed on Today, The Science Lab of Grand scientists, builders and inventors it. He received his answer in the Hank Television Series and 11 without some of the advantages middle of the night and went on other programs are produced by we have today. Struggling, Tyraine to invest his life in his business. Grand Hank Productions located says, is part of the path to success. in Mount Airy. An estimated He points to himself saying, “I’m “If you want to be the smartest 3.5 million people in 15 states, just like you. Remember, I came “I’m just like you,” Grand Hank tells his students as he demonstrates the scientist in the world, then you including Pennsylvania, have from these projects, wonders of chemistry. need a PhD.,” he says. “But if you used them. Security is a priority for residents and PHA police The best offense is a strong the job or other security issues by Queen Lane Apartments security Boddy-Johnson, who has since control the floors,” explains Zappile, defense, and PHA residents can calling 215-684-1911. booth, and a teen with an assault been charged with attempted murder. in response to resident requests that help create more secure housing rifle began firing at him. Kelley was the security officers should do rounds sites by taking a strong stand Protecting housing residents is a saved by the bulletproof vest he was All PHA police are fully certified of the buildings. “They are not supposed against crime and assisting the priority. The wearing. Two as municipal police officers and to leave their posts.” Again, he repeats PHA Police Department. PHA Police subsequent receive the same Police Academy that residents should report any Force currently “Housing residents are our bullets were training as the city’s police. In addition, suspicious activity to the police. “Housing residents are our eyes and consists of 45 eyes and ears.” stopped by the PHA also uses security officers ears,” says Richard Zappile, PHA’s Chief patrol officers, bulletproof from two companies – Top of the PHA also deploys 340 security cameras of Police and Director of Public Safety. down from Chief Richard Zappile booth walls. Clock and Oakley – to regulate at high rises and new developments. about 110 who goes into high-rise buildings. Many of the cameras are connected “People should not let unknown before the “Police Zappile emphasizes that these by the web into police computers for people into the buildings,” adds 2007 layoffs. One of those officers, responded immediately,” notes guards have a specific purpose. easy monitoring. Zappile says that Zappile. He also urges residents to Craig Kelley, was shot last month. Zappile. Officers flooded the area, PHA is currently working to upgrade report security guards asleep on Kelley opened the door of his and arrested 17-year old Zahir “They control access. They don’t the camera system. www.pha.phila.gov 4 Former roller derby star is now gentle PHA choir leader Anyone running into Rick Dreden, team, the Texas Outlaws. He would Rick Dreden enjoyed the travel, and the director of the resident choir at skate for several teams, including the money wasn’t bad either, starting Wilson Park, would hardly suspect the Eastern (Philadelphia) Warriors out at $275 week and ending at that this gentle and pleasant man and the Chicago Hawks. He says $500 a week. And his family could had another life that was not so the league freely transferred players come to the Arena to watch him. gentle and, at times, not so pleasant. between teams. “I remember an incident with Long before Dreden took up Dreden’s first coach with the my mother when I skated against residence at Wilson Park to form Outlaws was Jim Trotter, a star in the Warriors and Jim Trotter had the choir and do other good deeds, the sport who also skated for the joined the Warriors. My mother he played in the Roller Derby. Warriors, the league’s star team was trying to get up on the track during its glory days. and say (to Trotter) ‘Don’t beat up Dreden, who grew up in West my son,’” Dreden says with a laugh. Philadelphia, first became So what prompted Dreden, a interested in the sport afterseeing compact but muscular man, to get The most serious incident he it on TV. Channel 48 used to into this sport? remembers is a fight with Little televise Roller Derby from the old Richard Brown of the Warriors Philadelphia Arena near 46th & who kicked Rick in the head, but he Market, which was home to the Played as a jammer avoided serious injury. Derby from 1967 through 1976. Eventually, he attended a training “The physical contact. I always school run at the Arena by the league. wanted to play football, but I was Derby career ended too little,” Rick says. He played as a In 1972, after a year of training, jammer, the only position allowed Dreden’s career with Roller Derby Dreden began skating for his first to score points. The jammers left ended in 1976. The league ended the pack of skaters, making a lap operations in Philadelphia, but to the back, then pulled their way continued in California for several through packs of skaters called years. Fortunately, Rick had blockers. Jammers scored a point other skills. He worked for several for each lap. companies handling data entry until injuries he received while Each Roller Derby team had 10 skating finally caught up to him, skaters; five men and five women. forcing him to retire at an early age Each position had a male and with disabilities. Too little for football, Rick Dreden, seen here with teammate Lorna female skater, for a total of four Young, joined the Roller Derby. jammers and six blockers. Blockers Since coming to Wilson Park 15 had to keep the other team’s months ago, Dreden has stayed “I love helping the people here,” he start a youth choir, too. He loves jammers from making it through, as active as he possibly can by says. “I started the choir to bring up singing and performs solo at other while at the same time clearing a organizing the resident choir and the spirits of the older seniors here.” places, but has no plans to go on path for their own jammers. Each volunteering to do cleanup work “American Idol.” jam lasted one minute. The men in the cafeteria, the halls, the lobby Dreden, who also sings at the Love skated the first jam, followed by the and the elevators. It’s his home, Zion Baptist Church in North “I’m too old!” he says with a laugh. women, and they rotated back and and he wants the place clean on Philadelphia where he’s been a Rick Dreden today. forth for eight 10-minute periods. weekends when visitors come. member for 16 years, would like to New activities for seniors at the Wilson Park Community Center With PHA’s support, St. Agnes mornings of the month. Projects they push a ball through a tunnel According to www.seniorfitness.net, St. Agnes LIFE (Living LIFE has expanded its program include sand art, pine cone and enjoy licking vitamins off yoga can help address sleep, strength, Independently For Elders) has services to include a number of projects, customized greeting cards, participants’ fingers. arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, been providing medical and recreational activities at the Wilson painting and embellishing boxes excess weight, mood and anxiety, social services to older adults in Park Community Center, including and birdhouses and painting sun Yoga classes are now offered chronic pain and breathing Philadelphia for over nine years. yoga classes, arts and crafts and a catchers. “When I come to these on Mondays and Wednesdays. difficulties. LIFE helps chronically ill or pet therapy program, Caring Paws. classes I find I have imagination disabled adults age 55 and older by These activities are available at no that I never knew I had,” says promoting independence at home. cost to Wilson Park residents and resident Mildred Branham. The program provides primary community members. medical care, social work services, The monthly Caring Paws program physical and occupational therapies, “Our partnership with St. brings Marjorie Shoemaker and assistance with personal care at home, Agnes LIFE has provided us the Fleur, a golden retriever service transportation and much more. opportunity to offer additional dog from Canine Companions programming and socialization to for Independence, to the center. To find out more about the our customers,” says Charmaine She also has 20 other animals to recreational programs at Wilson Morton, PHA’s director of senior stimulate the senses of the elderly. Park, please call 215-684-4895. programs. “It not only warms the The guinea pigs, for example, purr heart to see our customers enjoying loudly — great for someone with To find out more about LIFE, or to the programs and services, but the hearing impairment. For the learn if you or someone you know benefits are great!” visually impaired, petting the hairless is eligible, please call St. Agnes guinea pig, velveteen, or angora rabbits LIFE at 215-339-4747. The arts and crafts program brings a wonderful satisfaction. The is offered the first two Friday ferrets are also quite entertaining as Seniors enjoy the arts and crafts class at Wilson Park.

A Community Newspaper For And About Residents 5

Pay your rent and pay yourself Don’t Let a Few Dollars in Unpaid Rent Stand Between You And Your Home Each month PHA is supposed to financial strains many of our The faster processing motivates collect over $1.5 million in rent. customers face, but we want to some residents to pay up. PHA counts on the rent paid by make the point that keeping a roof residents for over $19 million over their families’ heads should be “Many of our residents are single each year. That’s more than five their highest priority.” parents and nobody wants to see percent of the agency’s budget. a single mom with small children The revenue generated by rent has put out of her home,” Wilson says. become even more critical as the Reason for Eviction “Once we take them to court and federal government cuts funding we get a judgment against them, Picture Here for public housing. Late payment or no payment of even if they pay it off, it still shows rent is the main reason residents up on their credit reports.” “PHA’s employees take great pride face eviction, and PHA has sped up in providing the best possible the eviction process dramatically. This hurts residents when they look customer service, but we have Jacqui Wilson, the attorney who for a loan or a mortgage if they reduced our work force by almost supervises the Lease Enforcement decide to buy a home. one third and Compliance since January Unit, says it Linda Staley, PHA Executive 2007,” says “Uncollected rent has used to take General Manager for Property PHA Executive about six Management, says the agency has Director been a big problem for months to little in the way of a reserve fund Januar y 2008 Carl Greene. complete the and is required by the federal Sun Mon Tue Wed Fri Sat the housing authority.” 1 2 3 4 5 LAT E 6 7 “It’s not easy process. The government to collect 98 percent of FEE DUE maintaining Carl R. Greene, time frame has the rents due. PAY YOUR RENT ON TIME RENT IS the same level been cut in half. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 PHA Executive Director of service when “The rent calendars were sent NOW PAST DUE Wilson you lose one in out to let residents know this is a 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 three workers. says PHA serious matter with all the federal Having customers pay their rent on has its own cutbacks that have occurred,” she time helps in that effort.” arrangement with the City’s says. “To move into self-sufficiency, 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Municipal Court that allows the you have to get accustomed to Most PHA households do pay their agency to handle 50 eviction cases paying your rent on time.” 29 30 31 rent on time, but those who do not a week. Every Wednesday PHA are hurting service for everyone has courtroom 4-B all day just to else. Managers have to spend time process eviction cases. New budgeting classes tracking down people who are late and that leaves them less time for “We’ve gained a lot of respect Staley says PHA plans to start other tasks. because we’re very efficient in how budgeting classes to help residents do we handle our cases,” Wilson says. a better job of managing their money, Saving Your Home In January, PHA sent out Rent including paying their rent on time. Reminder calendars. “Uncollected Filing the necessary papers PHA is working with Wachovia Bank accounts, they’re less likely to spend “Paying the rent pays themselves,” rent has been a big problem electronically has also sped up on this special project. that money,” she says. Staley says. “If you’re paying the for the housing authority,” says the process. Of the cases filed rent, the PHA has money for Greene. “The calendars were a each week, Wilson says between “Lots of times we find people will The new course will also teach residents the staff and services that you’re gentle reminder of how important one-third to one-half of the spend money if they have it in how to become better shoppers and requesting.” it is to pay your rent on time. residents pay off their judgments hand. If we can get them to put get more for their money. We understand the tremendous before they have to face the judge. some of it into savings or checking

before the gunman fired a second Philadelphia Daily News recently is our top priority at PHA, but PHA will continue to do its part to and third shot. Those shots hit the devoted three pages to a story the security of our customers safeguard our properties. We will bulletproof glass, and Officer Kelley describing the transformation that is also critically important. We continue to enhance our strong was able to dial 9-1-1. Philadelphia occurs when PHA knocks down are grateful to the Philadelphia relationship with the Philadelphia police arrived on the scene within an old-style public housing site Police Dept. for responding with Police Dept. But we can only truly minutes, and a suspect was taken and replaces it with a townhouse lightning speed in the case of be successful with your help. into custody a short time later. community. Crime plummets. Officer Kelley. We should all have Residents play a a similar sense of urgency about Thank you, A PHA officer more active role the safety of our communities. being shot on “PHA will continue to in keeping their duty is not do its part to safeguard communities safe. All residents need to be suspicious a common They feel proud, about strangers in our buildings occurrence. our properties.” safe and secure. and around our sites. When you A near tragedy hit the PHA family The last time suspect that an illegal activity is in February when one of our it happened The flip side of the occurring, you need to report it police officers, Craig Kelley, was was 1997. But an incident such as story is that crime remains high to the PHA Police. Simple things, shot while manning the security this one again magnifies the issue in Philadelphia’s older distressed like making sure lobby doors Carl R. Greene booth at Queen Lane Apartments. of security. Public safety drives neighborhoods and at older close completely behind you, will Thankfully, Officer Kelley was able me to build as much modern PHA developments. Building increase everyone’s security. to slam the door to the booth shut affordable housing as possible. The and managing quality housing

www.pha.phila.gov 6

How can residents keep their community safe and secure?

Dominique Able – Cambridge Plaza “People need to keep track of what is going on in their neighborhood. They need to work to find a proper environment for the kids and stuff like that.”

Keith Stephens – Richard Allen “The police are always patrolling but more is needed. Neighbors need to patrol also. Parents should take more control of their children and make them stay off the corners. The government needs to get out of the business of telling parents how to handle their children.”

Kathleen – Richard Allen “We need more recreational facilities for the youth and after-school programs for the younger children. It seems there is little long-term investment in our kids.”

Minister Anthony Lunch – Richard Allen “We should meet with the youth and get their ideas, let them help decide what is in their best interest. Calling for community meetings is as important as getting children more involved with the church.”

Malinda Tucker – Richard Allen “Getting the police more involved and establish a town watch in different sections of a neighborhood.”

Denise – Cambridge Plaza “The kids need somewhere to go to get them off of the street. They need a recreation center where they can learn a sport or get involved with a constructive activity. When there isn’t anything for them to do, that is when they get into trouble.”

Alyce Thomas – Cambridge Plaza “It has gotten better but kids still hang out especially on the weekend. But they still disturb people who are tying to sleep on the weekend. Perhaps a recreational facility will provide the proper environment.

A Community Newspaper For And About Residents 7

Top of the class for Skills For Life Create a As the incident rate among youth Wyneisha is now focused on continues to rise in Philadelphia, preparing for college, but she is PHA’s Skills for Life program still deeply involved with Skills for G.R.E.A.T. provides a safe haven for high Life. She is currently helping to school students. Funded by PHA, plan this year’s summer program Skills for Life helps students with highlighting Africa. “They will look many aspects of their lives and at the culture of Africa, and dance video enables them to look to the future from the origination into modern without apprehension. dance,” says Wyneisha, who will not be working at the summer camp. and win a “It is a great program,” says Instead, Skills for Life has helped Uniqueca Flynn, who was required her find a job to fill the months to do mandatory community service until she leaves for college in the fall. great trip and was attending the Southwest Community Center when she voluntarily enrolled in Skills for Preparing for college Do you hear Hollywood Life. “I participated in some of the Uniqueca Flynn calling? If creating films and programs [at the Center] and I During Wyneisha’s time with video is your hobby or your really liked this one, so I joined.” June 2008 from John Bartram High Skills for Life, she was given the career goal, G.R.E.A.T.’s video School and intends to pursue biology opportunity to attend Temple contest is for you. Students Along the way, she came across one pre-med in college. So far, she has University’s Temple Voices program, in grades 4th through of the directors, Sanchia Gomez received four acceptance letters which is like an internship and part 8th are invited to submit of her curriculum. Skills for Life has who she describes as “ the BEST!” after applying to seven colleges. original videos based on “My helped her prepare for college by As a result of her relationship She plans to attend her first choice, G.R.E.A.T Experience.” The with Gomez and participation in applying for scholarship and financial Skills for Life provides resources and Spellman University in Atlanta. videos should show how the Skills for Life, Uniqueca’s grades aid, and has supported her decisions outlets to assist in personal, social, program has affected your improved dramatically. She became Another outstanding graduating for her future. Wyneisha will be and academic areas through the help life. (G.R.E.A.T. stands for more involved in the community. student, Wyneisha Barrett, of the graduating from Pratt Charter High of knowledgeable staff anddirectors On a personal level, expressing her Diversified Community Services School in June and will attend Penn at each site. Students have built Gang Resistance Education feelings and interacting with others site, says, “My grades were always State’s Schuylkill Campus. “I have long-lasting relationships with some and Training.) on a different level has become easier. good” but Skills for Life has helped not picked my major yet but I like of the directors who they will keep as Most importantly, Uniqueca plans her be consistent and given her science for biology or chemistry and mentors as they pursue their dreams The National contest winner to graduate at the top of her class in something to be involved in. criminal justice for forensics.” and utilize their skills for life. and up to three guests will be flown to the 2008 National G.R.E.A.T. National Training DO YOU REMEMBER THE 60’S WHEN Conference in St. Louis. The Kids - are you ready winning student will speak DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING and present the video to the SPOKE AT PHA’S to win a fun contest? more than 600 attendees. HAWTHORNE COMMUNITY CENTER? Spring has arrived! That means and essays must have participant’s full “This is a great way to get going to the park and having fun at name, age, and address. young people involved DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. the playground. And now there is a and get the anti-violence Looking for info or photos contest you can enter that will help All participants will receive message out,” says Cpl. Daniel keep that playground clean. recognition certificates for their Richmond, who runs PHA’s contribution in promoting G.R.E.A.T. program. Who: Dr. Martin Luther Grab your markers and paper, playground safety from the Housing it’s time to create, Authority Insurance Group. “It will help kids step up and King An essay or poster take ownership.” we can all celebrate There are three prize levels awarded Your art and words in each category for national When: In the 1960’s WILL YOU HELP US BRING will show us the way winners: $100 gift certificate for 1st The videos should be between KING’S MEMORY TO LIFE? To keep your playgrounds place, $40 gift certificate for 2nd one and three minutes long. Once you finish your Where: Hawthorne Martin Luther King spoke in clean places to play. place and a $25 gift certificate for south Philly at the Hawthorne 3rd place from Wal-Mart or Barnes video, fill out the entry Community Ctr. Community Center (now MLK) in To enter you must be a PHA resident. & Noble Bookstore. forms available online at There are three age categories: 6-8 www.great-online.org, and the 60’s. We are placing a plaque years old, 9-11 years old and 12-14 The deadline for submitting your mail two copies of the video to: What: Speech by Dr. King at the site in honor of this years old. Kids may enter either the essay is Friday, May 16th 2008. historic event. essay or poster contest or both. Send all entries to: G.R.E.A.T. Program Attn: Fran Gingell All essays should be on the topic Philadelphia Housing Authority But we need your help. Please Institute for let us know if you have first of playground safety. The theme Tracey Harriette this year is “Go Green, Keep 12 South 23rd Street Intergovernmental Research hand information or pictures of Your Playground Clean.” Ideas Philadelphia, PA 19103 Post Office Box 12729 the event. If so, please call might include explaining why a Tallahassee, FL 32317 Tracey Harriette at 215.684.4108. clean playground is important We’ll review all your entries. The Help preserve the image and and safe. best of the best will receive gifts and For more information, check legacy of Martin Luther King at prize. So show us how much a clean out the G.R.E.A.T. website or PHA. Thank You. All posters should be drawn on playground is worth. Pick up trash, call 215-684-1069. standard 22” x 28” poster board recycle and help save planet Earth. or smaller. In addition, all posters www.pha.phila.gov A Community Newspaper For And About Residents 9 PHA Homeownership Program still helping residents buy homes The subprime mortgage crisis PHA provides both one-on-one “There will be barriers (to buying has two million people across and group workshops to people a home), but you have to stick with the nation facing foreclosure who want to become homeowners. it,” Anderson says. “Pull your credit in the coming year. But here in Individual sessions can run for (rating). Dispute everything on Philadelphia, PHA’s homeownership a total of two to 12 hours, while there that you know is wrong. Go program is using education to group sessions range from two to from there. Once you hit that 620 help residents purchase their own eight hours with an additional six (credit score), hey, start shopping.” homes. The agency has put over hours of follow-up services. Those 800 families or individuals into new who attend the workshops learn or existing homes since 2000. about financial planning, credit Good credit is green light review and repair, affordability, Some of these people are public getting pre-qualified for a mortgage Anderson looked at 25 or 30 homes housing residents while others are loan, and identifying real estate before she found the one she now simply first-time homebuyers. They agents, among other things. lives in. She also went through all have one thing in common - several realtors before she found PHA requires them to go through Kizzy Anderson, who has five one that met her needs. pre- and post-purchase counseling. children, completed the purchase of her home last November. It PHA’s Reyes says once someone Buying a home takes time and PHA works with financial Coates was impressed with PHA’s took her a year from the planning. Some of the buyers that institutions, housing counseling homeownership workshop. “It to find the program buys the agency helps have poor credit agencies, and realtors to fully helps you see the things that you do four-bedroom “The best thing you can do a home, they’re history, insufficient down payments, educate potential homebuyers, so need and the things that you don’t house where required to and/or lack of knowledge about they don’t lose their investment. need,” she says, noting that she her family now is be patient and go to post- home financing and closing costs. quickly learned the three danger lives in the do your homework,” occupancy Malvin Reyes, who supervises “If people are committed, dedicated words associated with mortgages: Cobbs Creek counseling. PHA’s homeownership program, and willing to make sacrifices, it floating rate, flexible and balloon. neighborhood. Tina Coates The service says it can take up to three years will work,” Reyes says. “Education helps them before a person is ready to become is the key.” Before looking become self- a homeowner. Workshop helps buyers for a home, Kizzy’s biggest hurdle sufficient in Tina Coates, who has six children, was establishing credit. She was their responsibilities as homeowners “We’re always educating our began saving for a home seven Overall, it took Coates about 18 working, but had very little in and may last up to three years. clients,” Reyes says. “We also years ago. She built up $20,000 months to complete the purchase of the way of a credit record. The have programs about home in savings through PHA’s Family her home in Northeast Philadelphia. solution for her turned out to be “At closing, we make them put down maintenance, too. Once they Self-Sufficiency program. However, secured credit cards, that is, credit $150 to make sure they go to post purchase (a home), we have a before she could use her savings to “The best thing you can do is be patient cards secured by a deposit by the occupancy counseling training, which 12-week course that teaches purchase a home, she needed one and do your homework,” she says. cardholder. By using the credit is designed to help them keep up their them how to fix things without year to fix her credit. “The Internet is there, and you have cards carefully and paying on time, loan,” he says. “They get their $150 back spending a great deal of money.” to use it [to check prices],” she says. Kizzy established credit. whenever they complete counseling.” PHA installs Big Bellies to eat up lots and lots of trash

PHA is taking its beautification daily removal of the can’s contents “It worked very well. We’re hoping campaign to the next level by unnecessary,” says PHA’s Dan that by placing them in high traffic installing Big Belly trash cans at Quimby, Executive General areas, residents will take advantage nine of its sites. Manager of Operations. “ We figure of them, helping us make our we’ll empty developments sparkle,” Quimby The trash cans these trash cans says. “We’ll watch the usage of these are bolted to “The compacting of trash 33% less often cans for the next year, and we may the ground makes daily removal of the than traditional buy more of them, depending upon and weigh 300 wire baskets. the results.” pounds. They can’s contents unnecessary,” That’s critical have a capacity Dan Quimby, because we Residents of Bartram Village, of 32 gallons have fewer Blumberg, Fairhill, Germantown and feature a General Manager of Operations maintenance House, Harrison Plaza, Hill Creek, solar-powered workers now Raymond Rosen, Westpark, and trash compactor. than we did Wilson Park now have the Big The cans open like a mailbox, just over a year ago and we have to Bellies in several locations. You preventing animals and people work more efficiently. And the solar can’t miss them. They feature a from getting at the trash. They send powering of the trash compactor big purple “Keep PHA Beautiful” out a wireless notice when it’s time saves us money, too.” message on the front. to empty them. The Big Bellies also seal themselves once they’re Quimby became intrigued when he Picture on right: Big Belly solar completely full, so no one can stuff first saw a Big Belly on display. The powered trash compactors like this more trash into them. manufacturer then lent one to PHA one at Westpark Apartments are to test it out for several months at now at work, gobbling up trash at “The compacting of trash makes Wilson Park. nine PHA sites. www.pha.phila.gov A Community Newspaper For And About Residents 11 A process that solves problems While PHA strives to provide The grievance process is “And I went to the hearing, and the highest quality service to its straightforward. If a resident has they helped me. I had no heat, and customers, you can’t please all of a problem that they feel is not they got that resolved.” the people all of the time. being resolved, they report it to the property manger. The manager Another case involved a resident As a result, PHA tenants file immediately schedules a hearing who claimed that she had had about 26 grievances a month, and, at the same time, begins mold in her house for over a according to Jacqui Wilson, a working to find a compromise to year that had created holes in PHA lawyer who handles the satisfy the resident. her kitchen floor and caused her grievance cases. roof to cave in. PHA was able to Ruth El Juliet recently left her document that the tenant herself The good news, Wilson reports, is grievance hearing very satisfied had damaged the floor over and that almost all the complaints are with the outcome. The Paschall above normal wear and tear. resolved at PHA’s arbitration hearings Apartments resident had filed a and only rarely do residents appeal complaint that she had no heat. “But we have a good environmental to the city’s court system. department,” points out Wilson, She also requested a transfer to a “and we had them analyze the mold “It’s not about PHA winning,” different site following a break-in and fix the problem.” A PHA arbitration hearing is in progress. explains Wilson. “The test of a win is that left her feeling unsafe. At that we can deal with the problem. the arbitration hearing, PHA So both parties left the arbitration All hearings are held before an to themselves. Which makes the resolved to fix her heating problem feeling satisfied. PHA did not have independent arbitrator, who is fact that only two cases have been “We do a good job explaining what and transfer her to a different to replace the tenant’s floor, and the also an attorney. The decision of appealed in the past 12 months the tenant is entitled to. Normally, apartment when it is possible. tenant’s mold issue was resolved. To the arbitrator is binding upon even more remarkable. common sense prevails.” “They were nice and helpful to me,” Wilson, that is a win-win situation. PHA, but not upon the tenants, says Juliet of the arbitration process. who are free to appeal at no cost New museum to preserve Public Housing Legacy Do you have a story to share about your experience living in public housing? If so, the planned National Public Housing Museum in Chicago would like to hear it.

Public housing residents in Chicago have taken action to create a museum that would preserve the stories of public housing residents for future generations. Last fall, efforts began to raise $14 million to establish the National Public Housing Museum in the last remaining building of Jane Adams Homes, the first federally funded housing site in Chicago. In the 1940’s, kids play at a Chicago Public Housing playground. The museum will be modeled on the successful Lower East Side Planners are asking current and gentrification. Space for community Tenement Museum in New York. former housing residents all over gatherings is also planned, along the country to share their stories, with commercial and retail spaces. The Chicago Housing Authority photos and other mementos of has agreed to turn the historic public housing. The museum One of the museum’s goals is to building over to the museum if will have apartments containing contribute to a better understanding they can secure financing by June furnishings from each of the eight of public housing by encouraging 2008. Sunny Fisher, who sits on decades of public housing, plus the public discussion about the way the the museum’s board of directors art, music, politics, and economics United States and other countries and is a member of the housing of those periods. address the housing needs of their committee, urges all current most vulnerable members. It will public housing residents to Visitors could step into, for explore the effects of economic, support the museum. example, the home of an Italian- political, and social forces on American family in the 1930s or a individuals and entire communities. “If every housing resident donated Jewish family in the 1940s and feel The museum will promote the a dollar towards the museum, we what it was like to live in that era. values of public participation, would be able to reach our goal,” tolerance, and social equity. said Fischer in an interview. Museum planners hope to create a research center offering educational For more information, visit the An archive of oral histories will programs about affordable housing museum’s website: be a major part of the Museum. and contemporary issues such as www.publichousingmuseum.org. www.pha.phila.gov 12

PHA student poet wins scholarship PHA Self-Sufficiency Contacts (Cont. from Page 1) Luz Paradoa Where I’m From and Where I’m going Program Manager, Community Partners Program you may not have been responsible By Monique Fortune for your heritage, but you are Blumberg Development responsible for your future.” I’m from a place I’d like to call home, 1516 Judson Way (23rd and Jefferson St.) But some call it the ghetto. 215-684-4366 (Fax #215-684-8080) Monique, a Housing Choice I’m from boring church hours at Baptist Church Voucher resident, participates in No matter how tired you are, “You better not go to sleep!” PHA’s Skills for Life Lighthouse Blumberg Staff program, which helps enrich the I’m from “Shake what ya mama gave ya!” and lives of young adults by building Block parties that served as family reunions. Monet Williams life skills. Members receive a I’m from trips upstate, cross state to penitentiaries Neighborhood Network Coordinator, Computer Technology stipend, tutoring, and a SEPTA Jail visits because this fool just didn’t get enough! 215-684-4628 (Fax #215-684-8080) Transpass while making friends, getting homework help and I’m from Ring-Around-the-Rosie, Tootsie Rolls, Nerds, and Peanut Chews! learning career options. She also I’m from Catch-a-Girl-Freak-a-Girl, our own Hide-and-Seek. Barbara Stewart meets weekly with a group called I’m from vacation bible school and overnight camps, Amnesty Hotline Teen Shots, a program that helps Two weeks full of songs and arts and crafts, 215-684-4416 girls tweak their research and social skills. I’m from Sheena and-well, Sheena. Gilbert Vega Mama’s baby and Papa’s never mind, although he told me he loved me. Monique eventually wants to I’m from junk food dinners, but still satisfied. ESS Coordinator earn a degree in business and I’m from determination and the will to survive. 215-684-2057 (Fax #215-684-8080) education and work for the school district helping children who And although I am from a baby having a baby, Audrey Hickmon need extra assistance. She believes I am still the dream and the hope of the slave. FSS Coordinator that when you reach the top, you I’m from statistics that say I should be somebody’s baby mamma. can’t forget to reach back and help But instead I’m somebody’s scholar. Phone #215-684-2682 somebody else. You may not be from where I’m from, Team A And you’re certainly not going where I’m going. South Philadelphia Office My eyes are on the prize and I won’t let “Where I’m From” 1172-1174 South Broad Street Stop me! Jenneane Tillar - ESS Coordinator (215) 684-3051 (Fax #215-684-3066) Zip Codes: 02, 03, 06, 07, 12, 42, 45, 46, 47, 48, 53,

76ers GM has fond memories of PHA Team B (Cont. from Page 1) other areas. It was safe. We had fun.” great player, but I’ve always West Philadelphia Office enjoyed being part of the team.” And Provident signed They played a 10-game season 5207 Walnut Street on as a sponsor, as followed by playoffs. At the He slid back into basketball by Crystal Marshall - ESS Coordinator did PECO. “I didn’t end of the season, PHA becoming a scout and eventually (215) 684-1359 (Fax #215-684-1366) realize at the time held a banquet for joined the NJ Nets, where he Zip Codes: 04, 31, 39, 43, 51 it was going to help the players at the rose to General Manager. In me down the line,” legendary Palumbos’ November, the 76ers lured him Stefanski says. restaurant. back to Philadelphia. Team C Northwest Germantown Office “From a business After the ‘74 season, “The Sixers were my team growing 5538-A Wayne Avenue background, it was a dream Stefanski graduated up,” he says. “And being with them Edwina Young - ESS Coordinator come true.” from Penn and went is a thrill. I love the team and the (215) 684-3065 (Fax #215-684-3055) on to become a organization.” But he adds that he got the mortgage broker. Zip Codes: 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29, 38, 41, 44, 50 most satisfaction from watching But basketball was He pointed out that both the the kids play ball. in his blood. Sixers and Comcast-Spectacor are Team D very active in charities and there North Philadelphia Office With the money he raised, A self-described is a chance he could get involved 642 N. Broad Street Stefanski arranged to fix up the “gym rat,” with PHA once again. basketball courts on the sites, Stefanski notes, Nyla Jones - ESS Coordinator hired referees and arranged “I was never a (215) 684-3126 (Fax #215-684-1023) for busses to bring the kids Zip Codes: 05, 06, 07, 08, 21, 22, 23, 25, 30, 33, 34, 40 from one site to another for the games. Team E “The kids really enjoyed Northeast Philadelphia Office it,” Stefanski recalls. “It 4346 Frankford Avenue was great for them Michelle Henderson, Marlena Smith to meet kids ESS Coordinators from (215) 684-1559 & 2414 (Fax #215-684-1340) Zip Codes: 11, 14, 15, 16, 20, 24, 35, 36, 37, 49, 52, 54

A Community Newspaper For And About Residents 13 Historic agreement Focus on to help disabled clients fathers

PHA is demonstrating its We are proud and gratified commitment to the physically to form this partnership with helps disabled in a dramatic new way. Liberty Resources to help these The agency has agreed to provide courageous men and women 100 special Housing Choice live independently,” said PHA Vouchers to help people confined Executive Director Carl Greene. families to wheelchairs find new homes. Focus on Fathers is an ongoing The PA Dept. of Public Welfare is program offered by Resources PHA’s partner in the program providing the funding for 75 of the for Children’s Health to provide is Liberty Resources – a group vouchers for the first two years of support and education for fathers that advocates for independent the program. After that, PHA will in the community and help them living for its wheelchair-equipped assume the cost. Carl Greene and Liberty Resources CEO Tom Earle sign the agreement. meet the needs of their children. clients. Liberty will refer clients to PHA, many of whom now live in Because wheelchair-equipped apartments that meet their needs. he already has clients lined up The program‘s goal is to increase nursing homes. clients need special features in PHA then will inspect and approve and ready to go. PHA’s Keith the participation of fathers their apartments, these vouchers the units, just as it does for all Caldwell, says his staff will move and other male caretakers in “People confined to wheelchairs can be used to pay higher than HCV clients. quickly to help these clients move activities that support family life. face challenges every day that normal rents. Clients, with out of nursing homes and into Research indicates that fathers the rest of us can only imagine. Liberty’s help, will have to locate Liberty’s CEO Tom Earle says their own homes. have a strong impact on children’s self-esteem and school performance. Families with fathers can also be linked to reduced teen pregnancy Community and police should work together and drug use. This program starts with the PHA resident leaders met with Fox said that helping the police premise that fathers want to take Deputy Police Commissioner doesn’t mean putting a life on the an active role in their children’s Patricia Fox at their Police line or testifying in court. She lives and must be supported in Advisory Board meeting to discuss said information can be offered their efforts. a key resident issue - public safety. anonymously. “We want to open lines Resident leaders also wanted to of communication. Without that, we Focus on Fathers offers: know how the Philadelphia Police can never make things better.” planned to fill the gap left by a • A formal parenting course reduced PHA police force. Fox says with the help of the community, the police will get “up • Individual case management New Police Commissioner Charles close and personal” with children. Ramsey is from Washington D.C. “If you want to know what you, as • Discussion and support groups and has spent more than 40 years in a community, can do [to reduce law enforcement. Fox said from his crime], it is work with the kids. • Educational and social activities first day on the job Ramsey began to And, if you have a problem, you apply pressure on his police force to need to let us know so we can make There is no charge, and programs get to know the people they serve, sure we get police involvement. are available in English and especially the children who are often It’s important that young people Spanish. For more information, the suspects or victims of crime. see the community and the police contact Sulaiman Wood at working together, trying to make 267-765-2324 or [email protected]. Fox said that with a new police “If there is anything we can do to make our future better, it’s working their lives different.” commissioner comes a new way with the kids now.” Philadelphia Deputy Police Commissioner Patricia of reducing crime. But she made Fox told PHA residents. If you have information that could it clear that progress can only be help stop or solve a crime, Fox “We know that before you can trust live to understand that unless they made with resident help. She also urges everyone to call the police. us, we have to make you feel safe. help us, there is only so much we said citizens have to overcome their They will help you, not hurt you. Prison Runs That’s our job. Your job is to try can do.” fears about being called a “snitch” If you need to visit a loved to get the communities where you when they give police information. one in prison, please contact J&H Transport, LLC. Traveling to 25 State Lifeline 135 program keeps telephone lines alive correctional institutions For Reservations Having trouble paying your phone who participate in certain public The discounts are paid out of the an informational brochure, please call bill? There are programs available assistance programs, or who have federal Universal Service Fund that “Follow the PATH to PA to help keep your telephone income at or below 135 percent all telephone customers pay into. Telephone Help.” The brochure (215) 989-9436 service connected, reduce monthly of the federal poverty guidelines provides information about bills, pay connection fees and (currently $28,620 for a family Verizon customers have Lifeline and other available avoid shut-offs. of four) can receive a discount additional programs to help programs for limited-income on their monthly local phone reduce monthly service and telephone customers. Copies The Lifeline 135 program can service for one telephone line. For connection charges. of the brochure can be help customers of all qualified information about Lifeline 135, obtained by calling the PUC at telephone service providers. call your local telephone company. The Pennsylvania Public Utility 1-800-782-1110. Under the program, customers Commission has developed www.pha.phila.gov 14 PHA & PECO help residents save energy and money On a cold, sunny day 65 volunteers to 10 times longer when compared teaches them to give back to those from PHA and PECO celebrated to incandescent bulbs. who are less fortunate,” she said. the Martin Luther King Day of Service by helping 500 families Kerry Bizzell, who works in Malvin Reyes, who directs PHA’s near the John F. Street Community PHA’s Contracting Department, Homeownership Program, felt the Center save money and better took part in the Day of Service event was the best way to honor the manage their energy usage. with her daughter, Zaria. She memory of Dr. King. thought the event was a great way The volunteers distributed an to give back to the community, “It’s all part of giving back to the energy-saving care package of have some quality time with her community and helping out people four compact florescent light daughter, and teach Zaria about who are underserved, giving them (CFL) bulbs, assistance and the value of service. the hope they need,” he said. “We’re energy-saving information from blessed in a sense that we’re able to PECO and PHA. CFLs use about “The day of service makes them assist families in need.” PHA’s Kerri Bizzell prepares children’s energy kits during the MLK 75 percent less energy and last up appreciate the things they have and Day of Service with her daughter Zaria (left) and Nia Long (right), For Michele Henderson, an daughter of Michelle Henderson of PHA. Bizzelle says it’s important Economic Self-Sufficiency to teach youngsters the meaning of service to the community. Coordinator for PHA, the Day of Service really was a special event. volunteered for the Day of Service way we build our new houses and with her nephew. in information we present to our “I had a wonderful time and made residents. We try to make a positive it a family affair with my three “This is my way of making this a impact on people’s lives every day, children, sister and niece attending ‘day on’ and doing something with but we feel especially strong about also,” she said. “The children, Nia the community, doing something it on this day when we celebrate and Joshua, enjoyed setting up constructive, something that the life of Dr. King,” said PHA the children’s area and of course gives back,” she said. “Our executive director Carl Greene. playing. Jade even became involved blessings aren’t meaningful if and took charge during our you don’t share them and create PHA has been building all of its door-to-door quests.” opportunities for other people to new developments to the federal PHA’s Pat Noto gives instructions to volunteers from PECO and become blessed as well.” Energy Star standard and is PHA during the MLK Day of Service. Families were given an energy Monica Hawkins, a former PHA currently building its first all “green” saving care package of 4 compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs, employee who now works at “We have been emphasizing apartment building, Nellie Reynolds assistance and energy saving information from PECO and PHA. HUD’s Office of Public Housing, energy conservation both in the Gardens, in North Philadelphia. Parenting program helped mom put life on track Ludlow is

Crystal Castle is a hard working fallen into a huge pit with no mother of three lovely daughters; way to climb out. She knew there reborn 17-year old Nilajah, 13- year old was help, but didn’t know where Yaminah and six-year old Shevon. to find it. Then, on the advice of (Cont. from Page 1) Her oldest daughter is looking at a friend, she spoke to someone college, and the younger two are at PHA who told her about the looking for a change. She has two doing well in school. For about a teen-parenting program. Crystal children and a grandson who year she has worked as a medical made an appointment and learned lives with her and wanted a better office assistant in Northeast what services were available. environment for them. Ludlow, Philadelphia and receives a housing which is located between Cen- voucher from PHA that allows her Teen parenting focused on helping ter City and Temple University, to live in a home near Roosevelt young mothers like Crystal take seemed to offer just that. Blvd. For someone looking at her life control of their lives. Most young from the outside, it appears Crystal is women who get involved need Rembert’s 3-story, 3-bedroom enjoying the American dream. But a sense of purpose or direction home has central air conditioning, life has been a struggle, and Crystal that will enable them to become three large bathrooms, a utility says that she traveled a long way to successful. Crystal says, “They room on the second floor for get to where she is today. showed me how to care for my her washer and dryer, and a new child, budget my money and how refrigerator. She has purchased a She says although she was blessed to improve my life in the mists of new Energy Star washer and plans with people who had a positive confusion. And they also convinced on buying a new Energy Star dryer influence on her childhood, life me to go back to school and earn to hold down her utility bills. was hard as she grew up with her my GED. They basically helped me Crystal Castle, who turned her life around, is seen here with daughters brother in a one-parent home. get my life in order.” Shevon and Yaminah. She also has a 17-year-old daughter Nilajah. Rembert, who works at Crystal says, “We didn’t have much, both Project HOME and the and life wasn’t easy. As a teenager The next hurdle was deciding Community Partnership School, life was hard, and when I became what she wanted to do in her later she started taking the course. income by running a medical billing takes a lot of pride in her new pregnant with my first child it life. One day while reading the Crystal liked the course so much business from home. But for home. She was cleaning trash and became much more difficult.” PHA Experience, she read about she now plans to go back to school now, she will continue to enjoy other debris from the parking a training program for people and pursue medical billing as a career. the work at the medical center. space behind her home when we Trying to raise a baby while going interested in a medical billing Her advice to others who want to spoke with her. to school and looking for a job course. She signed up for the The future now looks brighter get ahead is to “take advantage seemed impossible. At the time, eight-week course and was placed than ever. Crystal wants to buy of opportunities while you have “It’s brand new, and that’s how I Crystal felt as though she had on the waiting list. About a month her own house and increase her them and get an education.” want to keep it,” she says.

A Community Newspaper For And About Residents 15 Quality housing for residents is job one for PHA inspectors PHA residents can count on Inspector Ed Seitzinger says, for found they have to forget about finding safe, quality, affordable example, that PHA requires doors the agency’s standards and give housing, thanks to the work of for all rooms and closets while the answers that match the lower the agency’s inspectors. Why? federal standards don’t require federal standards. Not that they’re Because PHA has Housing them for closets or bathrooms. He going to forget PHA’s requirements Quality Standards (HQS) that are adds PHA requires that all windows when they’re on the job. much higher than those set by the in a room must work, but federal federal government. Inspectors standards do not. Inspector Chris Thomas says were reminded of that during a residents receive a major benefit training and certification session In fact, to get the certification from the higher PHA standards. held at Johnson Homes. test questions right, inspectors “Safety. We demand a higher level of security for the unit. We demand a higher quality standard when we do our initial inspections,” he says.

Ariayn De Leon, an asset manager based at the Housing Choice Voucher Germantown office, who PHA housing quality inspectors Ed Seitzinger, Chris Thomas, and also took part in the training and Ruby Jones get instruction on the location of electrical outlets certification, says residents should from housing quality training John Richmond during a session at be assured they’re getting a quality Johnson Homes. PHA has stricter rules on the placement of these home or apartment. outlets than the federal government does.

“The inspectors are knowledgeable the private market. She says it’s “We’re just making sure that it’s safe to make sure the residents are another example of how the agency and decent for the tenants, whether receiving quality standard housing. goes the extra mile when it comes a building is owned by PHA or The asset managers down to the to customer service. owned privately.” service reps are informed of what Housing quality standards trainer, John Richmond, listens as the inspectors are doing.” “They [the residents] should After that, McNeil and the other inspector Chris Thomas asks a question during classroom training feel great because we are really inspectors say, it’s up to residents to at Johnson Homes. Thomas says safety is the major benefit that And Erica McNeil, a technical aide concerned about them. It’s not take care of their homes. residents receive from PHA’s housing quality standards, which are who works at Hill Creek, says PHA’s like we’re just putting them in any much higher than those issued by the federal government. standards compete with those of old facility. We do care,” she says.