SPHA Hosts Kid’s Art Contest to Celebrate HUD “High Performer” Rating

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (JANUARY 29, 2024) – The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) in 2023 achieved outstanding recognition from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), following the most recent reviews of agency performance. SPHA now holds the distinction of earning the "High Performer" designation, HUD's highest possible rating, for its two major housing programs. To celebrate this accomplishment, SPHA invited its young residents to share their creativity! SPHA held a Kid’s Art Contest with the theme of "What Home Means to Me." The contest not only showcased the artistic talents of SPHA’s young residents but also highlighted the profound significance of the concept of 'home' in their lives.

SPHA's President and CEO, Mr. Michael Lundy, expressed his admiration for the young artists, stating, "I am so impressed by the exceptional talent displayed by our young residents. Their artistic expressions beautifully capture the essence of what home means and reflects the vibrant spirit of our community."

A panel of SPHA team members evaluated the submitted artworks based on creativity and relevance to the theme. Twelve winners were selected, each receiving a $100 prize. The winning artworks were curated into a special calendar.

The award ceremony and celebration for the young artists took place at The Legacy at Jordan Park on January 25, 2024. Congratulations to the following young artists, whose exceptional works were recognized:

• Month of January: Oryan V., Age 12
• Month of February: Ja’lani V., Age 10
• Month of March: Jazoni D., Age 6
• Month of April: Serenity B., Age 6
• Month of May: Elginay B., Age 13
• Month of June: Breon B., Age 11
• Month of July: Za’kai W., Age 8
• Month of August: Ja’zonn D., Age 11
• Month of September: Jasmine G., Age 9
• Month of October: Latron B., Age 11
• Month of November: Rodney V., Age 12
• Month of December: De’Zyriah A., Age 11

The “High Performer" designation for fiscal year 2022 recognizes SPHA's exceptional performance in its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as "Section 8," and its Public Housing program.

SPHA’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program received a perfect score of 100 percent on federal assessments. The Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) measures agency performance in 14 key areas, including selection from the waiting list, lease-up, and Housing Quality Standards inspections.

The Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) uses a 100-point scoring system to review agency performance in managing its Public Housing program, and SPHA earned a score of 94 percent in its most recent assessment. PHAS evaluates four key areas of Public Housing management: physical condition, financial condition, management operations, and capital funds.

SPHA is the leading affordable housing provider in the city of St. Petersburg, serving more than 4,000 low-income households. SPHA's mission is to provide safe, sanitary, accessible, decent, and affordable housing to eligible citizens of the city of St. Petersburg, while enhancing and promoting resident self-sufficiency.

Read more: https://www.stpeteha.org/news-...

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.