“Fix IT” Program Brings Generations Together
Residents at three PHA senior developments became better acquainted with digital technology this summer, thanks to a pilot program run by the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) of Philadelphia.
The “Fix IT” program, shorthand for “Fix Information Technology,” shows seniors how to go online for services and access programs such as Facebook. A $1,000 mini- grant from the “On the Table Philly” forum run by the Knight Foundation and the Philadelphia Foundation made the training sessions possible. The forum is designed to elevate civic conversation, foster new relationships, and create a unifying experience.
An “On the Table Philly” discussion at the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) office last October focused on how technology has disrupted and benefited social services. The “Fix IT” events connected local tech-savvy youth with older adults and senior citizens who are experiencing the digital divide at Gladys B. Jacobs, Wilson Park, and Lucien E. Blackwell. Participating youth learn STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and entrepreneurial skills.
“Our UAC team met and decided that we could bring young people and seniors together, using technology to connect generations around commonalities; and it was so exciting to see it happen!” said Sharmain Matlock-Turner, the President and CEO of the group. She points out that the founding of UAC was based the same ideas as “On the Table Philly”; meeting, talking, and sharing ideas and solutions.
“Beyond connecting seniors to the internet, which on its own is very important, by having kids provide the tech support, we are creating opportunities for inter-generational learning and impact,” said Tivoni Devor, Director of Growth and Engagement for UAC. “We hope this empowers the youth to realize that they have opportunities to be leaders and help their community.”
Devor credits PHA for donating tablets to the “Fix IT” program that helped make it a success. With more funding, the program can definitely expand service in the future.
Former PHA employee Marcus Kellam was really the key connector to make the “Fix IT” days a success. He is currently an assistant project manager at UAC and is a Boy Scout Troop Master. Kellam was able to connect UAC, PHA, and the Boy Scouts to really take “Fix IT” to the next level.
PHA Updates PAPMC Waiting List Through August 30th
PUBLIC NOTICE
PHILADELPHIA ASSET AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION IS UPDATING ITS WAITLIST
If you are still interested in being on the waitlist for housing through the Philadelphia Asset and Property Management Corporation (PAPMC) Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Sites Program, you must update your application information. This update will not affect your original date and time of application.
Completing the Update by Phone
The Update can be completed via telephone by calling 215-684-1200. The phone line will be open Monday through Friday, from 9am to 4pm, August 19, 2019 through August 30, 2019.
Please have all of the required information listed below ready before
calling to complete your update.
1.Mailing address and phone number of head of household.
2.Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Gender, Race, Ethnicity and Gross Monthly Income for all household members.
Completing the Update On-Line
If you have access to a computer and the Internet, you may complete the update online. The update can be completed online 24 hours a day from 12am August 19, 2019 through 11:59pm August 30, 2019.
To complete the update online, go to www.phauthority.wpengine.com.
On PHA’s home page, click on the link called “Public Housing Wait List Update.” From there, follow the prompts to enter the information required for the update.
PHA Hosts Mobile Constituent Services Day with Senator Street
(PHILADELPHIA – August 12, 2019) – The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) joined with State Senator Sharif Street to host three mobile constituent services events at Raymond Rosen Apartments, Johnson Homes, and 8 Diamond Townhomes.
“Partnering with the Philadelphia Housing Authority to bring services directly to our constituents creates a bridge to our community. There are seniors, the disabled and many simply unable secure a means of travel to access constituent services we provide. In this way we ensure some of our most vulnerable have access without the barriers daily life can bring” said Senator Street.
The event consisted of three Philadelphia Housing Authority locations staffed by vendors: Keystone VIP, Gateway Health Care, and House and Senate staff. Refreshments and festivities included a raffle for small prizes at each location.
PhillySEEDS Awards College Scholarships to 70 PHA Residents
High achievers receive $5,000 each
(Philadelphia, PA – July 22, 2019) – PhillySEEDS, Inc., a Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) subsidiary, has honored 70 PHA residents seeking higher education with $258,000 in scholarships.
PHA resident Amani Ball is going into her fourth year at the University of the Arts as a Dance major. She has won a $5,000 scholarship for the fourth straight year.
“I just stayed focused and determined on my goals, making sure to keep my GPA high,” she said. “The scholarships have helped tremendously. I don’t have to take out as many loans as other students and I can look forward to starting my career as a performer without having that debt burden.”
Another scholarship winner, Rasheeda Little-Herring, is entering her second and final year at Community College of Philadelphia with plans to work in behavioral health and human services.
“These funds are coming right on time to help me finish my education. I want to work with troubled youth and help them the same way someone helped me,” she said.
The scholarships, given to both graduating high school seniors and students already in college, were handed out during the PHA Board of Commissioners meeting at PHA Headquarters in on Ridge Avenue.
Of the 70 college students receiving scholarships:
· 35 with GPAs between 3.30 and 4.00 received $5,000.
· 24 with GPAs between 3.00 and 3.29 received $3,000.
· 11 with GPAs between 2.50 and 2.99 received $1,000.
“This event is so significant for us because we get to recognize the incredible work being done by PHA residents to uplift themselves and put themselves on a path to social and economic mobility. PHA is standing by them on their journeys,” said PHA President & CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah.
A total of almost $1.6 million has now been awarded to 413 residents since this program began in 2013. Money for the scholarships comes from PHA’s operating budget and funds donated by program supporters and vendors.
A scholarship committee composed of PHA employees, student residents, and a resident leader reviewed the applications. The applicants’ essays, community service, extracurricular activities, internships, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts were considered by the committee.
The scholarship recipients represent PHA developments around the City, as well as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Scholarship applications for next year will be made available in spring 2020.
PhillySEEDS, Inc. is an award-winning, 501(c) (3), charitable, non-profit corporation founded by PHA to promote the social and economic advancement of PHA-assisted residents through philanthropic activities, community-based partnerships, and special initiatives.