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December 2012

Leadership Conference“The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there” John Buchan.With this thought in mind, GAHRA’s Human Service/Resident Support Committee stayed the course in enhancing leadership skills and personal development for those attending the 12th Annual Resident Leadership Conference. The Garden City of Augusta played host to the 174 residents and staff repre-senting the 23 PHA’s that attended. Friday’s opening session, sponsored by the Augusta Housing Authority, included the conference over-view, roll call of attending authorities, dinner (an old fashion fish fry) and dance. The highlight of the evening was the Fashion Parade where many of the attendees strutted their “Sunday Best” before the cheers and applause of the audience.“Be the change you want to see” was the focal theme of this year’s conference. Concurrent sessions were held throughout the day Saturday, with a networking lunch and a special presentation from the Colum-bus Housing Authority. The conference came to a close Sunday with group presentations on each of Saturday’s topic and special recognitions. (See story on Community Service Awards on page 4) Special thanks to our Resident Advisory Committee Members Oliver Fitten - Winder HA; Flora Ramsey – Columbus HA; Dianna Foote – Athens HA; Sylvia Smith – Decatur HA; and Helen Tanksley – Augusta HA.

Hold the date for next year’s conference: October 18-20, 2013 in Columbus, GA

“Review, Revise, Reenergize” was the theme for our kick-off transition meeting on October 12th. Nearly 100 officers, chairs, vice-chairs and committee members met in the Buck-Melton Community Center in Macon to revisit our mission and strategic plan, as well as, “jump-start” our upcoming year.

The above theme seems an appropriate “mantra” describing our consistent response to ever-increasing rules and regulations while adapting to the constant reduction of subsidy and recapture of “excess” reserves. As I write this, we face sequestration and further rules that in their current status could effectively lead to the “flight” from public housing of those who currently pay flat rent. (…understanding that in many housing authorities, the majority of those currently paying flat rent have incomes at or below 50% of median income!) This, combined with the failure to allow for the increase in minimum rents, will no doubt negatively impact our community demographics and increase the need for subsidy --- the very result that HUD is trying to reverse.

However, as we continue to work together to meet these ever present challenges and the prediction that public housing is a thing of the past, we must remember who we are. We must remember that our business is not nec-essarily exclusively public housing or even Section 8 assistance; or Tax Credit properties; but in my opinion, our real industry is --- affordable housing for families --- however that looks.I believe the need for affordable housing is not diminishing…indeed I’d suggest it is growing for many reasons---not the least of which is our aging baby boomer generation. I also firmly believe that no one addresses this issue better or more effectively than public housing authorities when given the opportunity to creatively apply our collective affordable housing experience and knowledge of the customers we serve. More than ever, GAHRA is here and ready to… • provideavehiclefornetworking;whereleadingExecutiveDirectors,Commissioners,andstaffandhousingprofessionalscan gather to brainstorm and share ideas; • serveasarepositoryforbestpracticesthatcanbesharedthroughoutourauthorities;• disseminateinformation—GAHRAcommitteesarestructuredandinsomecases“restructured”toensurethatyouhavetheability to receive the latest in HUD regulations, notices, and requirements;• providevitaltrainingopportunitiestoassiststaffinnotonlymeetingindustrystandards—butinexceedingthosestandards;• providetechnical/professionaladvicetohousingauthoritieswhoneed“hands-on”assistance.• offerscholarshipstocustomerswhowanttofurthertheireducationandstrengthentheirskillssothattheyareenabledtoimprove the lives and future of their families and communities.• serveasavoicetoCongressandourStateLegislaturetoensurethatwespeakwithonevoiceandourmessageiscoherent, consistent and concise.• serveasacommittedandvaluableindustrypartnertogroupsofSERC,NAHRO,PHADA,HUDandotherstoexplore,develop and implement policies that work in the field rather than undermine the positive outcomes that we strive for.

GAHRA works because you as members remain focused on our “true business” and have committed to making it work. Thanks to all commit-tee chairs, vice-chairs, and committee members who said “yes” when I asked if they would take a leadership role this year. I assure all of you that your committees are committed to fulfilling the goals and objectives of the organization and are actively engaged in the process.

I may not be confident in knowing what we will look like in the future; but I am confident that the answers lie in each of us and collectively we will continue to provide affordable housing in new and creative ways to meet the needs of those we serve. Thank all of you for offering me the opportunity to serve you as your president this coming year. I look forward to serving beside you as we meet the housing and supportive needs of our customers.

Becky HartmanGAHRA President

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Newsletter of the Year Awards Small Category: Cairo Housing Authority Medium Category: Douglas Housing Authority Large Category: Decatur Housing Authority X Large Category: Marietta Housing Authority (alsowonSERC-Awardfortheirnewsletter)

Resident Leadership Volunteer of the Year Award Mrs. Josie Gilbert - Housing Authority of Fulton County - Winner Barbara Yother - Housing Authority of the City of Bremen – Runner Up

Collaborative Partnership Award Warner Robins Housing Authority - Winner Royston Housing Authority - Runner Up

GAHRA Life Membership Awards Paul Pierce – Decatur Housing Authority H. L. Brantley – Northeast Georgia Housing Authority

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Charting a New Course: Annual ConferenceSavannah, GA

Transitional MeetingGAHRA’s 2012-2013 Officers and com-mittee members recently convened at

the Buck-Melton Community Center in Macon to focus on the 3 R’s: Review, Revise and Re-energize. This transi-tional meeting, called by President

Hartman, afforded the association an opportunity to strategize, and set goals and timelines for the upcoming year.

Golf TournamentThe winners were….

Closest to the Pin Mason Brumby – Cedartown

Longest Drive – Buddy Brantley – Soperton

Worst Player, but Best RookieAngela Strickland - Brunswick

Congratulations to GAHRA’s Treasurer John Parish. He recently fulfilled all the established requirements of

eligibility by demonstrating the necessary qualifications and is entitled under the conditions prescribed by the Ameri-

can Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to hold and use the designation of Charted Global

Management Accountant.

In Loving Memory

GAHRA’s Human Services- Resident Support Committee announced the Community Service Recognition Award Initiative for the 2012 Resident Leadership Conference. The goal, in alignment with GAHRA’s mission was to continually strive to assist in the development of resident leaders and acknowledge their accomplishments and com-mitment to their community. Plaques were presented during the closing ceremony of the conference to the following resident leaders for their selfless and dedicated service and commitment to their communities.

Congratulations to: Sylvia Smith – Decatur HA; Lora Adams and Joann Hill – Thomson HA; Katrell Pinkston – Milledgeville HA; Mary Patrick and Pearline Reed – Atlanta HA; Diane Foote and Susan Thomas – Athens HA; Connie Boulware, Patricia Scott, Shanta Judah, Sherika Huling and Valarie Bledsoe – Columbus HA.

Community Service Awards

Emily Kicklighter1924-2012

When the chips were down for PHAs in the mid-1980’s, Housing Authority Risk Retention Group, Inc. (HARRG) was created by several CLPHA mem-bers to save the day and provide effective, affordable insurance for mem-bers. Twenty-five years later, the HAI Group family of companies works on behalf of PHAs to ensure that the products and services they offer facilitate greater effectiveness and independence.

On September 25, 2012, HAI Group celebrated its 25th Anniversary at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. HAI Group’s Chair-manoftheBoard,J.LenWilliams,whobydayistheExecutiveDirectorofthe Housing Authority of Columbus, emceed a gala that brought together employees from HAI Group and member PHAs. The evening included live music, speeches by company dignitaries, a video documentary on HAI Group’s history, and a slide show from past Board of Directors and Com-mittee Members Meetings.

Williams became HAI Group’s Board Chair Group in January 2012, soon after he and his fellow directors rewrote the Company’s Vision statement. On Williams’ watch, HAI Group has developed four new initiatives de-signed to secure a future for the public housing industry and its residents.

Why Boys & Girls Club?

The Boys & Girls Club is a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. It is the place where great futures are started each and every day.

Academy Sports gave kids who attend the Boys & Girls Club gift cards to shop and purchase various items during their Grand Opening. This was a great opportunity!

Our local Boys & Girls Club offers Club Programs and services to promote and enhance the development

of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. The Boys & Girls Club has a host of dedicated in house experts, who have developed proven youth development programs and training material. There are programs in education, fitness, social recreation, teen issues bullying prevention and more.

Melissa Wilson became an FSS Participant 5/1/2009. Her goal was to become an entrepreneur. She wanted to start her own beauty salon business. She has worked hard to reach that goal. She has done an array of things that are required within the FSS Program and she has completed them successfully.She obtained her business license. She is now the proud owner of “Melissa’s Blessed Hands Salon.” Ms. Wilson received a certificate of completion from the FSS Program.

HUD established the FSS Program in 1990 by Section 554 of the National Affordable Housing Act. FSS is available to families who receive assistance under the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Pro-gram and Public Housing (PH) Program. The program is designed to encourage people who are unemployed, underemployed and on welfare to become gainfully employed with benefits, to be free of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF) and to set personal and professional goals to better themselves so they can become self-sufficient.

Ms.Wilsonvolunteeredherservicesforthe2013HAFCAnnualPromDress/TuxedoGiveawayEvent.She will provide hairstyling for the 2013 High School Graduates participating in the HAFC Youth Program.

Columbus Executive Director Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of HAI Group

FSS Participant Success StoryFulton County Housing Authority

Warner Robins Housing Authority

Around the State

J. Len Williams

May 19 - 21

GAHRA Spring WorkshopMacon, GA

June 23 - 26

SERC-NAHROAnnualConferenceAtlanta, GA

July 18 - 20

GAHRA Commissioners Summer RetreatSt Simons Island, GA

July 22 - 26

GAHRA Summer Maintenance WorkshopMacon, GA

September 21 - 24

GAHRA Annual ConferenceAugusta, GA

October 18 - 20

GAHRA Resident LeadershipColumbus, GA

November 9 - 11

SERC-NAHROFallWorkshopHilton Head, SC

2013 Calendar of Events