Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers

Keeping in touch newsletter SECOND QUARTER 2016

A Trailblazer, former Michigan Link Housing Resident and FSS Participant 10th District in the Georgia State Senate. Ms. Thomas has furthered her education earning a master’s degree, Policy MPH, Public Administration, from Walden University in 2007. In 2014 at Walden University, she received a doctorial degree, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), in Public Policy and Administration.

Phoenicia L. Grant The Resident Services Department (RSD) has a history of success stories of residents living in public housing who participated in the Family SelfSufficiency (FSS) Program. Resident Services hosted their first FSS recognition banquet in 2008 at Pelican Preserve, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. The Keynote speaker was a former public housing resident of Southward Village, Ms. Nadine Thomas. Ms. Thomas became a single parent of three daughters. After earning a nursing degree, she purchased a home in Fort Myers. Then, she later moved to Atlanta, Georgia in DeKalb County. In 1992, she was the first African-American woman of DeKalb County to be elected from metro Atlanta’s newlycreated

We are elated to introduce Ms. Phoenicia L. Grant, ( in the top picture to the left) one of the recipients who received a “Shining Star “ award at the FSS Banquet who heard Ms. Thomas’ story first-hand. Phoenicia wants to publicly share her story with hopes of encouraging families that their dreams can become a reality. Phoenicia faced many challenges, she

attributes her success to the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM), for offering her housing of a one bedroom at Michigan Link Apartments. She later joined the FSS Program and used it as an opportunity to create a four year exit plan. On the inside of this issue, Keeping In Touch Newsletter page three, read the story about Phoenicia L. Grant, the trailblazer. She’s proof that humble beginnings are not always a predictor of a person’s potential. Article Written by Vivian Watkins

Inside this issue:

Nadine Thomas

Executive Director

2

Trailblazer Phoenicia Grant & Senior Corner

3—4

Resident Services Programs

5—7

Public Housing & Maintenance Spot

8– 9

HACFM Board of Commissioners

10

City of Fort Myers

11

HACFM Leadership Team

12

KEEPING IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER

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HACFM Executive Director, Marcus D. Goodson Greetings,

Marcus D. Goodson

“This proposed Alf would be located on our hope vi site where the former flossie riley Senior Apartments once stood.”

It was brought to my attention that May is “Older American” month and June is “Elder Abuse” month. With Americans living longer than previous generations, we should all be sensitive to elder abuse and how we care for our elderly family members. According to recent studies, the number of Americans age 65 or older increased tenfold in the last century. The study also says the elderly are living in more comfort and in better health than ever before. I am convinced that last statement applies to the elderly living in low-income communities. Elderly or not, lower income communities face daily struggles that are unfamiliar to families living in higher income neighborhoods. Moreover, I believe the daily struggles of life are more difficult to manage for the low-income elderly as compared to their higher income counterparts. Outside my office window is a income restricted facility; 120 units where seniors live in one of the newest senior housing developments in the country, where amenities available to the residents are more commonly found in higher income apartment complexes. Income should never be the driving force behind seniors having a nice place to call home. Our focus as a housing authority has been to leverage local, state, and federal dollars for affordable housing development, with a particular interest in building new senior housing. Our efforts have been rewarded with projects that encompass aging in place design where residents can live out their senior years in a home that allows them to maintain their independence. However, when the time comes to transition to a facility that provides the daily assistance needed for seniors who can no longer live independently, we hope to provide the next phase of living options for

them in our planned Oasis Senior Assisted Living Facility. This proposed ALF would be located on our HOPE VI site where the former Flossie Riley Senior Apartments once stood. It is critical that we provide housing options for the elderly outside of the more common option of moving our loved ones into the back bedroom lacking the needed medical care that will be provided at the ALF. We are currently working through the last phases of financing for the project and hope to break ground this summer. Now that we are only weeks away from the last day of the 2016 school year, we are planning for a very fun-filled summer for our school aged residents. The housing authority’s resident services staff will be coordinating summer programs designed to keep the students engaged in programs that promote reading, critical thinking and problem solving. Don’t worry, there will also be activities designed to entertain and keep the youth energized throughout the day. We wish you all a very safe and fun summer.

Sincerely,

Marcus D. Goodson Marcus D. Goodson Executive Director

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Phoenicia L. Grant A Trailblazer Phoenicia L. Grant (A.A.’03, B.A’05, M.Ed.’13) Fifteen years ago, Phoenicia was just an average high school student that could have easily slipped between the cracks. Burdened with the responsibility of being a caregiver to her younger siblings, she questioned whether college was a realistic pathway for her life. She even considered dropping out to get her GED and obtain full-time employment to decrease the financial burden for her family. During this time, she remembered a conversation with her high school guidance counselor, Michael Sushil, which changed her life and altered her career path. He told her, “Phoenicia with your 2.67 GPA, you would be an excellent candidate for community college”. Before this conversation, college was more of a dream than a reality. After all, no one in her family had graduated from college. She decided that day she would be a trailblazer for her family and community, but there was only one problem-she was homeless. Like most students, she graduated from high school and went off to college, but soon learned that the real world was much harder than she expected. After one semester at Miami Dade Community College, she was forced to move back home and sleep on her mother’s couch because she could not pay the rent. She decided to apply for an apartment with the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM). In 2002, after ten months of being homeless, she was offered a one bedroom apartment at Michigan Links Apartments. She remembered

crying hysterically in her cousin’s kitchen from excitement. She joined the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program and used this opportunity to create a four year exit plan. A year later, she obtained her associate degree from Florida Southwestern State College (formerly known as Edison Community/State College). In 2005, she graduated from Florida Gulf University (FGCU) with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement. She was able to secure a job as a first grade teacher at Sunshine Elementary. With a heavy heart she embarked on a new journey, one that included moving out of Michigan Links Apartments. Most people thought that this would be an easy transition, but she struggled with leaving behind a community that had supported her dream of becoming a college graduate. After three years of working as an elementary teacher in Fort Myers, she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and accepted a position as an ESOL teacher. At 25 years old, she became the first homeowner in her family in 2008. More challenges awaited her as she began the process of applying to graduate school. She was one of 160 applicants for the School Counseling Program at Georgia State University. Luckily, she was one of 40 applicants chosen to be interviewed for the program. In the summer of 2011, she became one of 16 students accepted into the program. For the next two years, she worked full time as an ESOL teacher and attended classes at night. She remembers many days when she was up by 5 am and

Phoenicia L. Grant studying until 1 a.m. She was both relieved and excited when she graduated in 2013. During her internship with Tucker High School in DeKalb County School District (DCSD), she learned that this school had one of the largest refugee and immigrant populations in the county and state. She became drawn to the social and emotional concerns that plagued students new to the country and exiled from their native country. It was not long before she was regularly sought after by the refugee and immigrant students, parents, and community advocates to provide interventions to increase student achievement for this population. By combining her experience as an ESOL teacher and school counselor, she was able to transfer her skills into the perfect career, EL Counselor and International Transcript Evaluator for the DeKalb

International Welcome Center (DIWC) in DCSD. In her role as an EL Counselor, she is responsible for the grade level placement of all refugee and international newcomers in DCSD. She has evaluated thousands of foreign transcripts from over 142 countries spread across six continents. Her DIWC transcript evaluation framework has been replicated in several board policies and procedures used in several MetroAtlanta and North Carolina school districts, which minimized legal actions taken due to inconsistency.

Story continues at the top of page 4.

KEEPING IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER

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Phoenicia L. Grant A Trailblazer story continued She has presented the transcript evaluation framework internationally, nationally, at the state level, district level, and the school level. In 2015, she was selected to present her transcript evaluation framework at the TESOL 2015 International Convention English Language Expo in Toronto, Canada. In addition, the Georgia Department of Education frequently refers school districts in Georgia to the DIWC counseling department for guidance and training on foreign transcript evaluation. She is proud to lend her expertise to DCSD, which has the largest refugee population in the

southeastern part of the United States. In 2015, she started a professional development business as an educational consultant, which allows her to train other professionals and school districts in her field using her pragmatic knowledge and expertise about foreign transcript evaluation. Her future goals include publishing, mentoring, obtaining a Ph.D., and creating programs that will have a lasting effect on the lives of impoverished youth. Phoenicia L. Grant is proof that humble beginnings are not

always a predictor of a person’s potential. She believes that it’s not where you are from that defines you, but where you are going and what you are willing to do to get there. When confronted with adversity, one’s perception about his or her potential is sometimes the greatest barrier removal and pathway to a college degree, impactful career, and rewarding life. Phoenicia L. Grant tells her story well. The HACFM is very proud of her accomplishments and wishes her the best in all of her future endeavors.

Senior Corner

“Recently, two elderly residents living at the royal Palm Towers property were honored with several other receipents at the Rotary international 2016 District Conference. “

The HACFM elderly services coordinator is always looking to partner with agencies in the community that offer senior citizens assistance to live independently. Aging in place can be difficult, especially for disadvantaged low-income elderly people. This is why partnerships with the proper agencies are created to help prolong the elderly quality of life. Recently, two elderly residents living at the Royal Palm Towers property were honored with several other receipents at the Rotary International 2016 District Conference. The banquet held at the Sanibel Harbor Marriott Resort & Spa was entitled “Community Service, Why Fellowship of the Wheel?” Mrs. Rose Wombwell and Mr. Ramon Zorrilla were presented wheelchairs at the

banquet. These two residents were invited by Nations Association, Revered Suarez. On May 13,approximately 4 p.m., Nations Association provided transportation to ensure that Rose and Ramon arrived at the banquet to enjoy the scrumptious meal prepared for all attendees. During the Rotary International program, they honored several individuals needing wheelchairs. Ramon and Rose were so excited and take pleasure in being the two receipents from the HACFM. Congratulations to Ramon and Rose! The HACFM has a partnership with the Harry Chapin Food Bank. The partnership includes providing the Commodity Food Supplement Program (CFSP), including non-perishable food items, fresh vegetables and bread. The participants receive

recipes and healthy nutritional information to help plan and prepare their meals. Story continues on page 5

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Resident Services Senior Corner Continued All three senior properties participate in the CSFP program, Bonair Towers at 1915 Halgrim Ave., Fort Myers, Fl. 33901, Renaissance Preserve Senior at 4221 Othello Lane, Fort Myers, Fl. 33916 and Royal Palm Towers at 2424 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers, Fl. 33901. Also, the program is offered to individuals age 60 or older in the community. If you are 60 years of age and live in close proximity of the three senior facilities you

can sign-up for the CSFP program. Your name will be placed on the appropriate waitlist. The CSFP has been in existence since 1965, however not in the State of Florida. In March of 2015 the Harry Chapin Food Bank was awarded a state Federal grant to fund Lee and Collier Counties to serve 2,400 elderly clients. Community partners are always invited to share programs

and resources with the senior residents, mostly at their resident council meetings. In April and May, the following community partners presented information on Hurricane Preparedness, “No Persons Left Behind.” A Centurylink representative shared with the seniors how to apply for discounted Internet service. Finally, the Clear Captions coordinator demonstrated

how to use a phone designed for the hearing and impaired. Activity pictures shared on page 7 Article written by Vivian Watkins

Resident Services Department Home Buyer Education (HBE) Class Home Buyer Education courses are held the first Saturday of each month (excluding holiday weekends) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Supportive Services (CSS) Center, located at 4211 Romeo Lane, Suite 103, Fort Myers, FL 33916. The next class will be held August 6. To register, please call 239-332-3825. There is a $50 fee. Make check or money order payable to HACFM. Topics Covered Steps Involved/Home Buying Process Renting vs. Owning Fair Housing/Lending Down Payment Assistance Mortgage Products Home Maintenance Insurance Credit/Money Management Foreclosure Prevention Truth In Lending Homestead Exemption Closing

Financial Fitness Class Financial fitness classes are held weekly on Tuesdays, starting July 19 to September 17, at the CSS Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Classes are provided to all public housing and Housing Choice Voucher residents participating in the CSS and FSS programs. Financial Literacy Session Topics Class 1:Bank On It Class 2:Borrowing Basics Class 3:Check It Out Class 4:Money Matters Class 5:Pay Yourself First Class 6:Keep It Safe Class 7:To Your Credit Class 8:Charge It Right Class 9:Loan To Own Class 10:Your Own Home Class 11:Financial Recovery

General Educa on Development Don’t put off for tomorrow on what you can do today. Are you seeking to obtain a GED? HACFM is offering an adult educa on class Mondays-Thursdays 1 to 3 p.m. (tutoring class) 3 to 5 p.m. (self study) the instructor: Darlene Carrillo 239-9892254. Register today!

KEEPING IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER

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The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers in partnership with the Lee County Black History Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County is hos ng the annual Juneteenth & Father’s Day event. The event will be held at the Roberto Clemente Park, Saturday, June 18, noon to 4 p.m. The main focus is to invite fathers to connect with resources and programs available in the community. Also, the invite will serve as giving father’s the opportunity to enjoy fun me with their families. Addi onally, Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the aboli on of slavery in Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipa on of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South. Ar cle wri en by Vivian Watkins

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Resident Services Department Resident Council Meetings Resident Council Meetings: 1. Bonair Tower Meetings are held monthly on the second Monday at 4p.m. in the cafeteria Location: 1915 Halgrim Avenue, Fort Myers, FL, 33901

3. Southward Village Meetings are held monthly on the third Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Event Center

2. Royal Palm Tower Meetings are held monthly on the first Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the cafeteria Location: 2424 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Location: 2990 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33916

4. Horizon Apartments Meetings are held monthly on the third Wednesday

Landing at East Point Place FREE MEALS For Kids and Teens! Introducing the summerbreak spot offering free nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and under. All summer long June 14 — July 29. Lunch 11:30 a.m.— noon. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this

institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

at 4 p.m. in the clubhouse Location 5300 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919 5. Renaissance Preserve Senior Meetings are held monthly on the second Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Renaissance Preserve Senior Building cafeteria Location 4221 Othello Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33916

KEEPING IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER

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Public Housing and Maintenance Spot As we get closer to the hot summer months, now is the time to prepare. Check your air conditioner to ensure it is working properly. Find ways that you and your family can conserve energy which results in lower electric and water bills for your households. We have listed below a few Energy Savings Tips to help you conserve energy:

burners and drip pans clean at all times and use microwaves when possible.



Resident Energy Savings Tips









Use cold water when washing clothes and use the proper water level.



When using an electric dryer, do not set the timer for longer than 20 minutes. You can always add more time if needed.

interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”

Keep all doors and windows closed while the air conditioning is running. You can double your electric bill by keeping the doors and windows open while the A/C is on. Limit your shower time and take cooler showers.

attention, place an

Keep all registers/intake vents clear from any obstructions so that the proper airflow can happen. The harder the airflow has to work, the higher the electric bill will be.

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Set Thermostat between 76-78 degrees. Each degree below 78 degrees can increase your electric bill by 10%



Keep stoves/ovens,





Do not overload the refrigerator or freezer. Over filling the freezer will obstruct air flow. Keep the refrigerator set at 5 or at the middle setting. Do not leave the refrigerator or freezer doors open for any length of time. Report any broken or damaged seals, bad weather stripping on doors or any other maintenance issues to maintenance/ management immediately.

What Can I expect in a hurricane? The effects of a storm can last long after it has passed. Regions affected may experience:



Widespread damage to the local infrastructure, such as roads, public transportation, electricity, and both land lines and cell phones; and serious shortages of adequate accommodations, food water, and medical facilities.



Airport closures or limited flights due to high winds, flooding or runway or terminal damage. Available flights may fill up very quickly.



Ocean/sea ports may also be impacted. Even large ships may have difficulties on the open water or need to change their scheduled route to avoid dangerous storms, high winds, and rough waves.



Extend stay in an emergency shelter with basic resources and limited medicine and food supplies.

Turn off lights and the TV when you leave a room.

HACFM is committed to providing safe, affordable and descent housing to all residents. We also take seriously conserving energy and want to do our part as an agency to conserve wherever possible. In order for the agency to go “GREEN” we need your help to accomplish this status. The tips listed above can help not only improving the environment but they can assist you in saving on your electric bill. Hurricane season is fast approaching, are you prepared? *** Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30 ***

How can I prepare?



Use a checklist to help you organize an emergency kit.

Continues on page 9

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Public Housing and Maintenance Spot Continued ♦



ments (social security cards, birth cer ficates, insurance papers, etc…)

Follow the instructions of local authorities concerning security and evacuation. Doing so could save your life.

 Cell phone charger  Cash

Monitor local radio, television, and other sources of information to stay aware of any weather developments in the area. Minor tropical storms can quickly develop into dangerous storms, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation.



Update friends and family in the United States as regularly as possible to let them know how you are doing.



If you use social media, consider ways to keep your status updated.



Bring ALL items from your patios, balconies and front area of your home into the house to avoid anything becoming a hazard (chairs, plants, BBQ, outside decorations...etc…).

 Emergency Blanket/pillow  Rain Gear

Here is a list of important items you and your family should have as part of your Emergency Kit to help be as prepared as possible should a hurricane hit our area. Remember, your emergency kit should have supplies to last a minimum of 3 days!!!  Canned food that does not need to be cooked  Water—1 gallon per day per person



Close all windows and doors and make sure they are locked and secure.

 7 day supply of medicine (for you and your pets) Glasses/Contact Lenses



Unplug all electronics (TV’s computer, games)

 Ba eries/Flashlight/Radio.



Fill your car’s gas tank to FULL.



Know where all evacuation shelters are located

 Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, soap)



Check your family’s evacuation plan and notify family of your plan

 Liquid Hand Sani zer.  Toilet paper/paper towels  First Aid Kit  Copies of important docu-

What you should do aŌer a hurricane  Listen to your local news for instruc ons and informa on  Stay alert for extended and con nued flooding  Return home only when permi ed by local officials  Drive only as necessary  Keep away from loose or dangling power lines  Inspect your home for damage  Use flashlights in the dark NOT candles  Watch your animals closely, do not allow them out of your control

KEEPING IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER

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HACFM BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Ma e Young, Chairwoman Peter Routsis Arroyo, Vice Chairman

Bill Barnwell, Commissioner

Joseph D’Alessandro, Commissioner

Douglas Hogg, Commissioner

E. Bruce Strayhorn, Commissioner

Lemuel Teal, Commissioner

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City of Fort Myers Randy Henderson, City Mayor Saeed Kazemi, City Manager

City Council Teresa Watkins Brown, Ward 1 Johnny W. Streets Jr., Ward 2 Terolyn Watson, Ward 3 Michael Flanders, Ward 4 Forrest Banks, Ward 5 Gaile Anthony, Ward 6

“The City of Fort Myers City Mayor, City Manager and City Council.”

Housing Authority Leadership Team Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers

4224 Renaissance Preserve Way Fort Myers, FL 33916 Phone: 239-344-3220

We’re on the web Hacfm.org

ExecuƟve Director—Marcus D. Goodson AdministraƟve Assistant to Mr. Goodson—Cheryl Labelle Director of Housing, Maintenance , HCV & Resident Services—Sherri Campanale Director of Finance & Human Resources—Vicki Collins Housing Authority Mission Statement The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM), a professional housing management government corpora on, owns, manages, develops and administers federal state and local housing and social programs for low, very low, and moderateincome families while successfully implemen ng na onal housing policies incorpora ng family self-sufficiency as the main component for transi oning families from welfare to work. The Authority’s focus is two-fold: It works with the community to administer successful Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based assisted housing programs. It also works to change the face of public housing by transforming the most severely distressed public housing in Fort Myers from sources of urban blight to engines of urban renewal, crea ng paradigm shi s in public housing culture, values and behavior through establishing posi ve incen ves for resident self-sufficiency, providing comprehensive services that empower residents, while lessening concentra ons of poverty, promo ng mixed-income communi es and assuring equal access to safe quality housing for low, very low, and moderate-income families throughout the community.