PHAR Accomplishments 2007-2008

PHAR has accomplished much over the past year in our efforts to organize and advocate for public housing residents in the City of Charlottesville.  We continue to be recognized nationally as one of the most effective self-governed associations of public housing residents in the state of Virginia.  Highlights of our 2007 and early 2008 successes include:

*  Six residents graduated from PHAR's Resident Leadership Internship Program and are currently serving on several community boards such as:  Monticello Area Community Action Agency, Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Disabilities Board

*  PHAR Interns, staff, Board and Advisory Board members -- along with Quality Community Council, Legal Aid and others -- participated in surveying Crescent Hall residents on security issues.

*  PHAR Board and Advisory Board members successfully advocated to fill two vacant positions on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners with experienced community members who understand the issues facing public housing residents.

*  A delegation of 2 Advisory Board members, 2 PHAR Board members and a PHAR staff member, along with a Piedmont Housing Alliance staff member from Charlottesville, attended the annual National Low Income Housing Coalition's Annual Housing Policy Conference and Lobby Day in Washington, DC.  One of PHAR's Board Members and Advisory Board Members served on a panel with Senator Sarbanes.  During the Conference, the delegation met with staff members from Senator Warner, Senator Webb and Representative Goode's offices to advocate for CDBG Funding, Operating Subsidies, Capital Improvement, more Section 8 Vouchers, Tax Credits, Affordable Rental Units, Homeless Assistance, and HUD funding to preserve public housing and prevent homelessness.

*  PHAR partnered with a national organization (National Training and Information Center) to look at ways that we can work together to help preserve public housing across the country and in our own community.

*  PHAR attended and participated on CRHA committees, which include Redevelopment, Resident Services, and Finance.

*  PHAR continues to participate in the Housing Authority Annual Plan Process.

*  PHAR's Interns are partnering with Quality Community Council on a project called Clean Sweep.

*  PHAR hosted neighborhood gatherings with the City Schools Superintendent, Rosa Atkins, at two of our Public Housing sites.

*  PHAR attended 1 sector meeting with the Charlottesville Police Department.

*  A PHAR Board member advocated to reform payday lending.

*  PHAR recruited participants, advocated and informed the public about the major issues facing public housing residents by participating with the Redevelopment meetings at Westhaven, Crescent Hall, South First Street, and 6th Street.

*  PHAR will be participating in the Capital Improvement process in collaboration with Legal Aid.