SPHA Expands Social Services Programming
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 28, 2023) - Meeting clients where they are and offering them a viable path to financial independence are the core of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority's (SPHA) push to enhance resident services programming. The expansion of social services programs, resources, and tools for SPHA-assisted families is leading to successes, including four brand-new homeowners!
SPHA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Lundy said, "We believe in 'Creating Opportunities for Stronger Communities'. Providing quality, affordable housing is our central focus, but not our sole focus, as we work to break the cycles of poverty and build housing stability. Social services are the key to creating opportunities that enrich lives, deepen community connections, and lead to generational change."
SPHA's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program helps families in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing programs increase their earnings and build financial assets. SPHA opens an escrow account for FSS participants and makes contributions as they increase earned income. Participants receive the end balance of this savings account upon successful graduation from the program. FSS program length is based on the individual goals of the participant and can range from a few months to five years.
Resident Kimber Banks said, "FSS has motivated and inspired me to be a better person for myself and my children. I'm proud of me!"
SPHA's Homeownership program allows families who are assisted through the HCV program and meet eligibility requirements to use their vouchers to buy a home and receive monthly assistance in meeting homeownership expenses. Since the start of this program in late 2022, four SPHA-assisted families have become first-time homeowners.
Through a partnership between SPHA and Habitat for Humanity, participants can enroll in both programs simultaneously to achieve their homeownership dreams. As a result, SPHA families put hundreds of sweat equity hours into their homes and are empowered for long-term success.
During the Habitat for Humanity dedication ceremony for her new home, first-time homeowner April Dandridge said, "This home means so much to us. It will be a place of refuge, a place of protection, a place of shelter, a place of stability, a place of security, and a place of love."
In January 2023, SPHA launched the Resident Support Services (RSS) program, which is available to any SPHA-assisted resident. Through this program, residents work one-on-one with a social services coordinator to identify their life goals, ranging from education and employment to parenting and wellness, and create an action plan to achieve them.
Abby Everingham, SPHA's Director of Social Services, said, "With the support of social services, SPHA residents are partnered with a caring professional who empowers and advocates for them, helping them to meet their potential."
In addition to the three major programs offered, SPHA's social services team collaborates with numerous community partners to offer resident programming every month. These activities build community, self-sufficiency, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Plans to expand programming which impacts youth, families, adults, and seniors are underway.
SPHA is the leading provider of affordable housing in the city of St. Petersburg. For more information on SPHA's programs and services, visit www.stpeteha.org or call 727-323-3171.
ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):
An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.