GROWING WITH BRISTOL FOR 75 YEARS

Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Annual Report 2014

BRISTOL REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY

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GROWING WITH BRISTOL FOR 75 YEARS

This action on September 22, 1938, created one of the most enduring public service organizations in the Bristol community. The Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority (BRHA) has been “Growing with Bristol for 75 Years,” providing safe, attractive, affordable housing for our city.

But the need for decent, affordable housing in Bristol was apparent long before the City of Bristol, Virginia, established BRHA.

Local historian and author, Bud Phillips, tells a story about Major Z.L. (Zach) Burson, a civil war hero who, in 1871, purchased land in the southwest area of the Virginia Hill neighborhood on which he built several shacks. “The rent was 50 cents to one dollar a week depending on how good of condition your shack was. People who lived in the rented shacks had one well and one outhouse per four shacks. There was no running water … Typhoid fever was very common then among the people renting the shacks. The nickname for the shacks was Burson’s Row.”

BRHA’s first project in 1940 was to demolish Burson’s Row and build Rice Terrace — 136 units of decent, safe and sanitary publicly owned apartments at affordable rates for low-income families. For the next 35 years, BRHA created public housing on five additional sites. Total housing peaked by the mid-1970s at 481 units. Restructuring of BRHA’s housing portfolio has adjusted our housing inventory to its current number of 427 units.

In addition to providing affordable housing, BRHA has partnered with the City of Bristol to create economic development opportunities in our city’s core, which dramatically reshaped the downtown area. Through our ability to borrow funds from the federal government, and to buy, assemble and resell land for redevelopment,

BRHA facilitated the development of landmark public and private buildings along the Lee and Cumberland Street corridors, as well as public amenities such as Cumberland Square Park and downtown parking areas. None of this redevelopment would have occurred without BRHA’s involvement.

But BRHA is not just about buildings and land. We have been key providers of education and workforce training for our residents. In addition, we have partnered with local agencies to assure that supportive services, such as child care, transportation and health care, are available to participating families. During the past 10 years alone, we have brought more than $2.25 million in grant resources into the community to provide these services for our low-income citizens. Our ongoing Find A Way family self-sufficiency program continues to provide such services to current participants of our affordable housing programs.

We have been “Growing with Bristol for 75 Years” — a long time for any organization to exist. To have endured through political changes, major societal transformations and recurring economic challenges, and make a positive impact in our community along the way, is a reason for celebration! Our success has not been achieved solely because of our own efforts, but through collaboration with other governmental and nonprofit agencies, and through our partnership with the citizens of Bristol. So, can we say “job well done” and move on to other activities? Unfortunately, no. In the words of that city council from long ago, there is still “a shortage of safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations in the City available to persons of low income at rentals which they can afford.” The challenge remains in this 21st century to deliver adequate, affordable housing. Until that promise is fulfilled, BRHA will be here, providing housing solutions and opportunities for all of our citizens.

David E. BaldwinExecutive Director/CEO

BRHA

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David E. BaldwinExecutive Director/CEO

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BRHA Our History

Pictured: (From top) Rice Terrace in the 1960s, Mosby Homes in the 1960s, and a historical photo of Rice Terrace and Johnson Court (date unknown)

For 75 years, the Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority (BRHA) has been

a mainstay on Virginia Hill overlooking Bristol’s historic downtown.

BRHA

Established on September 6, 1938, by the City of Bristol to address the “shortage of safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations in the City available to persons of low income at rentals which they can afford,” BRHA is Virginia’s second oldest redevelopment and housing authority.

In 1939, BRHA, originally known as the Housing Authority of the City of Bristol, Virginia, submitted its first application to the United States Housing Authority for the development of Bristol’s first two public housing communities. Rice Terrace and Johnson Court, with a total of 201 units, opened in 1940.

Renamed the Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority in 1946, the organization entered into a

period of growth, constructing additional units and partnering with the City of Bristol in its downtown revitalization.

BRHA was the first public housing authority in the Commonwealth of Virginia to construct specially designed units for the elderly population. In 1965, BRHA opened John S. Mosby Homes, featuring 25 units for the elderly and 15 family units.

By the early 1970s, BRHA had constructed more than 480 affordable housing units.

Throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s, BRHA implemented two Urban Renewal projects for the City of Bristol. Through these projects, BRHA acquired a combined 49 properties in the city.

Photo courtesy of the Bristol Historical Association.

BRISTOL REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY

Dilapidated structures were demolished, and the properties were prepared for resale to developers. In addition to removing what was then described as “blighting conditions,” these projects created opportunities for new public and private development. (Read more about these projects on page 4.)

Between the construction of its six affordable housing communities and completion of the Urban Renewal projects, BRHA has transformed several rundown neighborhoods, while assisting in a revitalization of the city’s economy.

Today, BRHA is the largest provider of low-income rental housing in Bristol.

Pictured: (Clockwise from the top) Mosby Homes in the 1950s, Rice Terrace in 1952, and an aerial photo of Bristol in the 1940s (Aerial photo courtesy of the Bristol Historical Association.)

BRHA

Established: 1938Applied for development of Bristol’s first two public housing communities: 1939Opened first two developments: 1940Number of public housing units in first two developments: 201Current number of BRHA-owned/operated public housing developments: 6Current number of public housing units: 411Current number of other affordable housing units: 16Current number of residents served by public housing: 800Current percentage of Bristol population served by public housing: 5Current percentage of Bristol low-income renter families served by BRHA: 40Value of all BRHA developments (based on original costs): Nearly $30 millionReplacement costs for all BRHA developments: Nearly $50 millionAnnual economic impact of BRHA capital projects: $500,000 to $1 millionAnnual budget: Approximately $3.25 millionBRHA staff members: 26Annual payroll: $880,000

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By theNUMBERS

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REDEVELOPMENT

BRHA has been a valuable partner to the City of Bristol, conscientiously aligning its initiatives to the city’s larger vision. Throughout the 1960s, '70s and early '80s, BRHA implemented two Urban Renewal projects for the City of Bristol. Known as the Central Business District Urban Renewal Projects, the work completed in these years removed blighting conditions in the city, while encouraging new public and private development.

BRHA assembled land in the downtown area and managed the redevelopment of parcels that currently feature notable commercial and governmental structures, including the City Courthouse, the City Jail, the WCYB Media Center, and Cumberland Square Park.

By the 1980s, BRHA was issuing mortgage revenue bonds, which assisted private developers in creating additional affordable housing in the city. The benefit of private investment in local neighborhoods extended beyond an increase in affordable housing units and also stimulated improvements in infrastructure, community services and property values. This public/private partnership remains an integral component of BRHA’s mission today.

In supporting its residents and the larger Bristol community, BRHA has consistently secured grant resources and strategically implemented several master plans, each designed to meet the current and anticipated long-term needs of the community.

Transforming Communitiesand Improving Lives

Pictured: (From top)WCYB Media Center, City Courthouse and Cumberland Square Park

The Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority has served as a catalyst for change in Bristol, Virginia, over the past 75 years.

BRHA

Sapling Grove

When fiscal responsibility precludes renovations for aging properties, demolition and redevelopment create suitable housing for a broad population, including families with young children, senior citizens and disabled individuals.

BRHA completed the first redevelopment endeavor of this kind in 2007 with the replacement housing project now known as Sapling Grove. All units were designed with wheelchair access features, such as wider interior hallways and doors, and no steps. Six units are fully handicap accessible and offer cabinets, bathroom features and safety alarm systems that have been modified for compliance with access requirements. The Sapling Grove complex has been certified by EarthCraft Virginia, which helps ensure environmentally conscious

design and construction, efficient use of natural resources, and utility cost savings.

A second project is presently underway, with additional redevelopment anticipated as current buildings continue to age. Unit sizes for new developments are determined based on an examination of the immediate needs of BRHA waiting lists and the changing demographics of the wider community. New developments are financed using a combination of public and private resources.

BRHA’s redevelopment projects serve a critical housing need for Bristol and add value to the neighborhoods in which they are located, while incorporating a variety of rental housing programs to better serve the needs of the community.

Pictured: Sapling Grove Apartments

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BRHA properties that can continue to meet the needs of residents are renovated when needed.

BRHA

Todd Musick has filled a number of positions in the 11 years he has been employed with BRHA.

From inspector to project manager to department head, Todd has played a strategic role in BRHA’s operations. In his current role as vice president of capital investments, the most visible aspects of the organization fall under his purview.

Despite a continued need in the Bristol community and across the country, government funding to sustain and maintain affordable housing has dwindled. Todd and other BRHA staff members have sought to overcome this challenge with innovative solutions.

“While we continue to be focused on affordable housing, we are not focused on doing the same things we have done in the past,” Todd says. “Status quo is not acceptable.”

Citing the Sapling Grove development and anticipated redevelopments of existing structures, Todd says the progressive vision of the BRHA staff and board is resulting in a variety of affordable housing options that fill a community need, while improving the aesthetics of the neighborhoods.

“We are very passionate about our mission,” Todd says. “It is not just about brick and mortar. The home impacts all aspects of a person’s life. We’re not building a new box. We want to step outside the confines of stereotypical public housing and lift up the community.”

Todd Musick,

Vice President of Capital Investments

Profile:

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BRHA’s capital investment department manages public housing maintenance and capital improvements, large-scale redevelopment of public housing sites, and neighborhood revitalization activities.

All BRHA initiatives are determined through an exhaustive review process. The organization’s staff, in conjunction with external design and engineering professionals, conducts a physical needs assessment every five years. Revisited continually, this assessment, along with an annual plan, guides BRHA as it determines which projects should be given highest priority.

Ongoing repairs are made as needed. Capital investment plans focus on larger, more costly projects, which typically require additional funding procured from outside sources. By receiving Federal Stimulus Funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, BRHA was recently able to complete a number of large renovation projects in several of its communities.

This work included new, automatic-open entrance doors and replacement of the existing fire alarm systems in both Jones Manor and Stant Hall. Gutters and downspouts were repaired or replaced at Rice Terrace and Johnson Court, while repairs were made to the roof of the administration building. Additionally, 20 units in the Mosby Homes development were renovated.

The BRHA staff has also constructed its first single-family home, a rental property on Mary Street, improving the streetscape within the Virginia Hill neighborhood. Also, the housing authority recently constructed a pavilion at the request of BRHA residents.

Another project currently underway is the redevelopment of the Bonham Circle property. Renovating the units has been deemed cost prohibitive. The demolition of the existing 65 units in Bonham Circle will allow for the construction of a new, mixed-income apartment complex.

The 50 units in the new Bonham Circle development will have a “universal design,” meaning these housing options will be suitable for senior citizens, people with disabilities and families with young children. The outward appearance of the buildings will emulate the character of the neighborhood and offer greater visual appeal to the surrounding community. The draft plan for this project also includes the creation of additional green space.

Current Initiatives

Pictured: (From left) Mary Street rental property, Rice Terrace

A variety of approaches is required to meet the needs of public housing residents, including unit renovations and modernization of public housing apartments.

“The BRHA has worked, in collaboration with the City of Bristol, Virginia, to alleviate blight, and allow for safer and more attractive neighborhoods.”

BRHA

Catherine BrillhartMayorCity of Bristol, Virginia

In addition to its annual and five-year physical assessment plans, BRHA has developed and implemented a master plan for its public housing inventory. This plan, developed with input from BRHA employees, residents and other community stakeholders, provides a course of action for the organization to follow over the next two decades. Taking into account BRHA’s current physical assets and potential future assets, the plan lays out an extensive blueprint for reinvestment in BRHA’s existing assets, as well as expansion into other community development opportunities.

BRHA’s commitment to the master plan has been highly visible throughout the redevelopment of two of its communities — the completed Sapling Grove project and the Bonham Circle project that is currently underway. Less apparent to community members has been BRHA’s implementation of the “neighborhood investment plan,” designed to address housing issues and concerns in the areas immediately surrounding existing BRHA properties.

Aligning its initiatives with studies conducted on behalf of the City of Bristol, BRHA is placing its emphasis on the Virginia Hill area, specifically the Moore Street corridor. To this end, BRHA has acquired several properties in these neighborhoods to advance its mission of providing affordable housing and to remove areas of blight that may currently exist. In addition to planned infill construction, BRHA is examining the possibility of creating a community garden and a small park on other parcels within close proximity to existing BRHA developments.

Planning for the FuturePictured: (From left) Moore Street property, Moore Street corridor

Pictured: Moore Street property floor plans

Faced with limited funding and aging buildings, BRHA implemented long-term planning a number of years ago to address these challenges.

BRHA’s commitment to the master plan has been highly visible . . .

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BRHA

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Bonham CircleBuilt 60 years ago, Bonham Circle was named for former BRHA Commissioner Bill Bonham. Slated to be replaced in the near future as part of BRHA’s ongoing redevelopment plan, the 65 units in this community are available in two-, three- or four-bedroom floor plans. (For additional information about the project, see page 6.)

BRHA

Johnson CourtLocated on Euclid Avenue Extension, the Johnson Court townhouses boast a convenient location on the corner of the “five points” intersection. Built in 1941, the community is named in honor of Rev. C.H. Johnson, a prominent African American who served as a pastor in Bristol for 42 years. The 60 two-story units are available with one, two or three bedrooms.

Rice TerraceNamed after William L. Rice, Bristol’s first mayor, these townhouses were the first units constructed by BRHA in 1940. These units went through a complete renovation in the 1990s. Rice Terrace includes 136 two-story units, each having one, two or three bedrooms.

HOUSINGBRHA remains dedicated to its primary mission of providing safe, attractive and affordable housing.

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BRHA

Stant Hall/Jones Manor

Constructed in 1971, Stant Hall and Jones Manor are two mid-rise buildings, located on West Mary Street, that share a common parking area and pavilion. Efficiencies and one-bedroom apartments make up the 50 units in each building. Both communities are named after men considered to be the founding fathers of BRHA. Donald T. Stant was an attorney for BRHA for 30 years. Carl A. Jones served as a city attorney, chairman and a commissioner of BRHA.

Mosby HomesThe duplexes of the Mosby Homes community feature floor plans that range from one to five bedrooms. The one- and two-bedroom units were recently renovated to include heating and air conditioning units. The 40 units in this community, constructed in 1965, are located on Clinton Avenue. Mosby Homes are named for Colonel John Singleton Mosby, who lived in Bristol for a short period of time and was noted for his Civil War heroism.

Sapling GroveSapling Grove was built in 2007 as a redevelopment project. (For more information about the project, see page 5.) Located on Clinton Avenue, the 26 garden-style duplex units offer one or two bedrooms. The name for this community was derived from the name of the original settlement that eventually became Bristol.

BRHA

The largest provider of affordable rental housing in Bristol, BRHA supplements its development and operation of public housing with a variety of self-sufficiency programs designed to provide residents opportunities for upward mobility.

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As BRHA’s vice president of operations, Diana Carter oversees a large volume of day-to-day logistics that keeps the organization running smoothly and in line with its stated goals. She and her staff not only serve as BRHA ambassadors — educating the community and serving as resources for residents — but also as the organization’s connective tissue.

In addition to being responsible for the administration of the various housing programs available through BRHA, Diana oversees a number of other programs designed to assist BRHA residents with becoming more independent and self-reliant. (For more information about BRHA’s self-sufficiency programs, see page 14.) “BRHA is more than housing,” Diana says. “For many residents, this is the first place they have been where someone has fully explained to them all of the services that are available, both here at BRHA and throughout the community. We don’t just operate programs. We try to make our programs the best they can possibly be so we can provide the most benefit to our residents.”

In her 28 years with BRHA, Diana has held a variety of positions, gaining expertise and experience in a vast array of subject areas along the way. In her current role, Diana can often be found refining the smallest details — preferring to work behind the scenes — in addition to guiding large operational projects.

Unit numbers and individuals served can be easily quantified, but Diana notes that some of the organization’s most significant successes are not so easily measured. These less-tangible outcomes often provide Diana the greatest job satisfaction. “Being able to help people is what this job is all about,” she says. “We are truly making a difference in the lives of others, on a number of different levels, and it’s rewarding to see the end result of our efforts.”

Diana Carter,Vice President of Operations

Rental Housing Assistance Programs Offered by BRHAPublic Housing: Participants select an apartment in one of six BRHA-owned-and-operated complexes, sign a dwelling lease, and pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross income for rent.

Housing Choice Voucher: BRHA provides rental assistance payments for participants who live in privately owned rental properties. Participants sign an agreement with BRHA and execute a lease with the owner of the private property. Participants pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross income for rent.

Tax Credit: Participants pay a fixed rent for one of 16 units owned and operated by BRHA. Although participants do not pay based on income, a sufficient level of income is required to rent a tax-credit unit.

Each of these programs has a waiting list and requires separate applications.

Resident Services

Profile:

BRHA

Page 11

The ROSS program is designed to help residents set goals, acquire job skills training, further their education and connect with community resources. These steps help residents to find and maintain employment, achieve economic independence and realize housing self-sufficiency. Available to every BRHA resident age 18 or older, participants work with BRHA staff to address personal needs or issues that may deter them from reaching their goals. Assistance may be provided through

BRHA-sponsored events or via referrals to community agencies for needs such as medical, dental or mental health services, GED classes, employment assistance, child care, transportation, life skills training, budgeting assistance and credit counseling.

Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program

Megan Mann, a single mom in her mid-20s, spent the first 15 years of her life in public housing at BRHA. After moving to Indiana, she found herself back in Bristol at BRHA’s Bonham Circle housing development, this time raising her five-year-old daughter, who has significant health issues.

Megan wanted to return to school to equip herself for a life beyond a retail job and public housing, but she had no idea how to take the initial steps to achieve her goal. Then, two years ago, she enrolled in BRHA’s ROSS program.

The ROSS program refers participating BRHA residents to other service providers for assistance in helping them work toward increasing their earned income and achieving self-sufficiency. With help from ROSS Coordinator Cindy Haynes, Megan decided to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. She completed the program at the end of 2013, passed her board exam, and is now working as a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home.

“I never saw myself in the medical field,” Megan says. “I wanted to be a teacher, but my experience with my daughter really sparked an interest in me.”

Megan credits Cindy for providing the support she needed to complete the ROSS program and accomplish this first step in her career plans.

“I’d be less motivated if I hadn’t (participated in) this program,” she says. “Cindy sent handwritten notes telling me how proud she is of me. (She made) regular phone calls to check in on me. She has really helped me be more motivated and confident.”

Megan hopes to continue a career in the medical field and recently began coursework in a medical assistant program. She also hopes to move out of public housing within the next year and a half.

“It is important for people to not use public housing as a lifestyle,” Megan says, “but as a means to an end. It should be a stepping stone.”

Profile of SUCCESS

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Find A Way ProgramFind A Way, operated by BRHA since 2006, is a voluntary, self-sufficiency program designed to help families and individuals become independent. This program is available to any BRHA resident who is motivated to make a change and ready to improve his or her life.

Program participants receive assistance with job skills training and financial training, while also learning about child care, transportation, budgeting, bank accounts, homemaking skills, job interview skills and resume writing. Many of the activities and programs are held in the Find A Way office.

As participants increase their skill sets and earn additional income, they may find that their higher wages result in a rent increase. Find A Way allows

for participants to take the difference between their old and new rent payments and deposit that amount into an escrow account. When participants graduate from the program, the money from the escrow account may be used to purchase a home or vehicle, or toward additional education.

Find A Way is possible due to partnerships that are established with various community programs and agencies. These connections provide education and training opportunities required for the jobs available in today’s marketplace.

Donna Boardwine has a lot to celebrate these days. As a highly successful graduate of BRHA’s Find A Way program, she was able to purchase her own home last year after 10 years of residency at BRHA’s Rice Terrace.

Donna’s journey through the five-year program, which leads participating BRHA residents through a step-by-step process to self-sufficiency, began eight years ago, when she found a Find A Way flier in her mailbox. Thinking it was a flier promoting a job opening, she investigated and learned that the program afforded opportunities well beyond just a possible occupation.

From that day forward, Donna set a goal to own her own home.

With the help of Find A Way Coordinator Lynn Pannell, Donna accomplished the initial step toward her goal — she obtained a job at a regional hospital that provided her with benefits for the first time in her life. This achievement enabled her to fulfill a program requirement of living for 12 consecutive months at a living wage, defined as a wage that can meet the basic needs required to maintain a safe, decent standard of living.

As stipulated by the Find A Way program, a percentage of Donna’s paychecks was placed in an interest-bearing escrow savings account. By the time she completed the program, Donna had saved $21,000 for a down payment on a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home.

“Donna has been an encouragement to other Find A Way participants,” Lynn says. “She has worked really hard and has a strong work ethic. She picked up additional jobs to purchase and pay off a car, and she expects to do the same to pay off her remaining mortgage.”

Find A Way provides numerous additional benefits to participants, including computer training, budgeting and financial planning. However, Donna emphasizes that Lynn was the best benefit of the program.

“Lynn knows what we need,” Donna says. “She is an uplifter when we get discouraged. (She helps us) to plan, look ahead and have a vision for what we want out of the program. Getting off subsidies is hard, (but now) my mortgage and utilities are less than the rent I was paying (in public housing).”

BRHA

Profile of SUCCESS

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Find A Way Plus Find A Way Plus (FAW Plus) is a program that helps BRHA seniors and disabled residents live a self-sufficient life. The program provides residents opportunities to improve their living conditions by participating in enhanced services and activities, which helps them maintain their independence for as long as possible. Services include programs on independent

living, life skills training, motivation training, credit counseling, and positive, leisure-time pursuits, along with job placement (for those capable of working) and links to employers, as well as continued counseling and case management. Program participants must be BRHA residents and be at least 62 years of age or have a diagnosed disability.

BRHA

“The staff at Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority genuinely care about the families they serve and they have advocated for these families. Many of the homeless families that we serve eventually end up living at a unit through BRHA. The staff at BRHA have been very professional and efficient in placing our homeless families in their units.” 

“When we refer someone to BRHA, we are confident that they will provide safe and affordable housing. But it doesn’t stop there. They provide programs that encourage these families and others to achieve a higher standard of living to improve their quality of life and help them to become self-sufficient.”

Sharon HicksDirectorFamily Promise of Bristol

Lisa CoferExecutive Director United Way of Bristol, TN/VA

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BRHA

Resident Services Staff

Whether it’s a BRHA resident, a BRHA staff member, or someone within the Bristol community, any discussion about BRHA’s Resident Services staff results in a recurring theme — the staff ’s willingness to help, both collectively and as individuals. Resident Services is comprised of three highly dedicated staff members: Cindy Haynes, Lynn Pannell and Diana Farris. Each woman spearheads a different program, but, at their core, each program is designed to help residents learn new skill sets and gain confidence as they take their first steps toward upward mobility. The natural by-product is increased self-sufficiency and motivation to move beyond public housing.

All residents have access to the programs, along with a wide range of related training and activities. Residents may self-identify a need, or a referral can be made by BRHA or another community agency. An examination of a resident’s specific needs helps determine which program is most appropriate.

BRHA’s Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) program, formed less than a decade ago, has already had a significant impact on many residents striving to improve their personal situations. BRHA is just one of a few housing authorities that offer this program. (For more information on the ROSS program, see page 11.)

“The ROSS program is designed to help people gain employment,” says Cindy, ROSS coordinator. “I work with residents to do whatever it takes to help them meet that goal. It may be providing them with information on where to get a GED or where to find child care, or educating them about the city bus system.”

Cindy notes that each piece of information adds another tool to each resident’s toolbox for achieving self-sufficiency, enabling them to meet the larger goals they have established for themselves.

Likewise, Lynn, who heads the Find A Way program, works with residents to set specific, measurable objectives, and determines the appropriate skill sets needed to accomplish those objectives, with an ultimate goal of achieving home ownership. (For more information on the Find A Way program, see page 12.)

“You’re not just putting a bandage over an issue,” Lynn says. “You’re reaching down and looking at the cause. You are addressing the issue, and that is what makes the lasting difference.”

Diana, the coordinator for the Find A Way Plus program, has found that her program participants, who are primarily senior citizens, face an entirely different set of challenges. She works to overcome those challenges through innovative training methods. (For more information on the Find A Way Plus program, see page 13.)

For example, physical impairments may impact the ability of some residents to maintain a clean living area. A recent training opportunity was devoted to demonstrations of cleaning techniques for those with limited mobility. Additionally, program participants are encouraged to share their own skill sets with residents, serving as the facilitators of some training programs. Other subject matters are approached in a manner that addresses specific resident concerns.

Each ROSS program coordinator offers training and provides referrals to community agencies for residents. Despite the many valuable program offerings available to participants, however, the women say their attention and support are often the most important elements for a resident’s success.

“We need something in the community that mentors people as they’re trying to work through things, and that also gives them enough time to change their attitude and focus,” Lynn says. She believes all three ROSS programs provide this key mentoring component. “We are here to let them know that even the little things are important and what they are going through matters.”

Pictured from left to right: Lynn Pannell, Cindy Haynes and Diana Farris

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First Row: Annetta Nelson, Becky Whitaker, Betty Miller, Donna Cato, David Baldwin, Diana Carter, Kayla Smith, Enola Cardwell, and Christy Napier.

Second Row: Donald Washington, Elizabeth Moser, Rebecca Clarke, Cindy Haynes, Todd Musick, Diane Jarrett, Michelle Rasnick, Lynn Pannell, and Diana

Farris. Third Row: Charlie Luchini, Cederick Harris, Scott Abston, Glen Griffin, Brian Poston, Dean Laws, and Kris Littreal. Not Pictured: Harry Zulauf.

BRHA

Executive Office

David E. BaldwinExecutive Director / CEO276-821-6255 Annetta NelsonExecutive Secretary276-821-6251 Harry ZulaufFinance Director276-821-6260 

Property Management

Diana CarterVice President of Operations276-821-6256 Betty MillerProperty Manager276-821-6266 Diane JarrettAssistant to Property Manager276-821-6257 Becky WhitakerAssistant to Property Manager276-821-6265 Kayla SmithAssistant to Property Manager276-821-6263

Housing Choice Voucher Program

Rebecca ClarkeHCV Coordinator276-821-6262 Resident Services

Lynn PannellFamily Self-Sufficiency Coordinator276-821-6270 Diana FarrisElderly Services Coordinator276-821-6269 Cindy HaynesROSS Coordinator276-821-6273

AUTHORITY BRHA STAFF

Capital Investment Department

Todd MusickVice President of Capital Investments276-821-6264 Enola CardwellCapital Investments Administrative Assistant276-821-6250 Kris LittrealMaintenance Coordinator276-821-6259

BRHA operates on a budget prepared by the executive director and approved by the board of commissioners. Audits are performed every year by an independent CPA and forwarded to HUD for its approval. BRHA is governed by a five-member board of commissioners, which is appointed by the mayor of the City of Bristol, Virginia. The commissioners are appointed to a four-year term and may serve up to four consecutive terms. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires at least one commissioner be a participant in one of the housing programs operated by the authority. In addition to creating governing policy, the board outlines BRHA’s long-term goals.

Operations

Staff Directory

“The BRHA provides leadership in the development of a shared vision for housing improvement and a strategic plan to attain that vision. The BRHA works collaboratively to develop long- and short-range goals and objectives with their strategic plan.”

Virginia GoodsonFormer BRHA Commissioner

BRHA

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Board of CommissionersPictured from left to right:

Larry Neese – Larry was appointed to the board in 2002 and is currently the most tenured commissioner on the board. He served as chairman for three years from 2006 to 2009.

Gary Poulton, Vice Chairman – Gary is serving his second term as a commissioner. He served as BRHA’s chairman from July 2011 to June 2012.

Karen Hamilton – Karen is a BRHA resident and has served as a commissioner since 2008. She is a past participant in BRHA’s Find A Way self-sufficiency program.

Jerry Chorosevic – Jerry was appointed to the board in 2003 and served as chairman for three years from 2003 to 2006. Scott Otis, Chairman – Scott was appointed to the board in June of 2011. In July 2014, he began serving his third year as chairman.

Bristol Redevelopment and Housing AuthorityCombined Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Change in Net Assets for the Year Ended March 31

2014 2013 Total Change

Rental Income $ 994,535 $ 883,620 $ 110,915Operating Grants and Subsidies $ 2,951,765 $ 3,156,883 (205,118)Miscellaneous 91,854 73,879 17,975

Total Revenue 4,038,154 4,114,382 (76,228)

Administration 1,091,493 1,123,163 (31,670)Tenant Services 141,597 186,917 (45,320)Utilities 503,255 458,521 44,734Maintenance 761,394 797,191 (35,797)General Expense 217,271 222,465 (5,194)Housing Assistance Payments 870,542 865,440 5,102Depreciation 518,337 491,255 27,082

Total Operating Expense 4,103,889 4,144,952 (41,063) Operating Income (Loss) (65,735) (30,570) (35,165)

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Interest Income 250 2,132 (1,882)Interest Expense (26,668) (34,193) 7,525

Net Non-Operating Income (Expense) (26,418) (32,061) 5,643

Change in Net Assets (92,153) (62,631) (29,522)

Net Assets at March 31, 2013 and 2012 6,699,385 6,762,016 (62,631)

Net Assets at March 31, 2014 and 2013 $ 6,607,232 $ 6,699,385 $ (92,153)

Unaudited

For additional financial information, please visit BRHA.com

What People are Saying“For many years, BRHA has been a tremendous supporter of the Bristol Virginia Public School System. This program also has been a huge supporter of the Communities In Schools Program, working cooperatively with BVPS in an attempt to improve students’ attendance, increase parental participation in schools and determine basic needs for families.”

Vicie Dotson Social WorkerBristol Virginia Public Schools

“I’ve never worked with a group of people who are as dedicated to the population they serve as the BRHA staff — especially the current staff. Through budget cuts, policy changes, whatever comes along, they manage to put the residents’ well-being at the top of their list.”

Donna MaloneCommunity Development Block Grant CoordinatorCity of Bristol, Virginia

“Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an absolutely essential component of service to the financially challenged families of Bristol. For decades, they have been the main source of affordable housing. They make it possible for families to remain together, rather than having to split up so that friends can accommodate only one or two extra people. I cannot imagine what people in crisis would do without BRHA.”

Tyler FranklinExecutive DirectorBristol Faith in Action

“The Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority plays a vital role in the Bristol, Virginia, community. They offer a comprehensive strategy in meeting the needs of their residents, helping them to overcome the barriers of poverty. BRHA is an active partner in community events and crime prevention activities. Their proactive management is key to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the residents to live, work and play. We are fortunate to have such a contemporary, professionally run organization helping to make Bristol ‘A Good Place To Live.’ ”

Jack WeisenburgerSheriffCity of Bristol, Virginia

Kathy RoarkExecutive DirectorChildren’s Advocacy Center of Bristol& Washington County, Virginia

“BRHA directly impacts economic development in the City of Bristol, Virginia, and helps determine success in our community. Many successful leaders in Bristol grew up in the BRHA community. Partnerships among the BRHA, city, school, business and community leaders are vital to paving the path to a brighter future for all citizens in the City of Bristol, Virginia.”

Catherine Brillhart Mayor and Council Liaison City of Bristol, Virginia

“We know that when we refer a family to BRHA, we can count on the fact that they are treated with dignity. They are treated the way we all want to be treated and they are given the tools to rebuild their lives. We have developed strong personal and professional relationships with the BRHA staff because the work those folks do is so vital to the community.”

“The BRHA staff and board of directors recognized the changing shift in the need for accessible, affordable housing and built 26 beautiful duplexes where the old, huge public housing buildings from the '40s once stood.”

Greg MorrellExecutive Director Appalachian Independence Center, Inc.

Mission:The Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority will provide safe, attractive, affordable housing and housing assistance and the opportunity for families and others in

need to achieve a higher standard of living.

809 Edmond StreetBristol, VA 24201

276-642-2001

BRHA.com