For Immediate Release
Contact: Muriel Sutton
601 482-5042
MERIDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY RECEIVES 2015 FYE “HUD HIGH PERFORMER DESIGNATION”
When: A press conference will be held on Monday, March 31, 2016, at 11:00am at the Meridian Housing Authority’s Central Office training room located at 2425 E Street, to inform the public of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) recognition of MHA for achieving the “High Performer” designation for the fourth consecutive year.
Details: On October 30, 2015, the Department of Housing and Urban Development completed its annual Public Housing Assessment System’s analysis of the administrative operations at the Meridian Housing Authority for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015.
HUD evaluates the management of 3200 public housing authorities across the country in the following categories: (1) Finance,(2) Management Operations, (3) Facility Management and (4) Capital Funding. After the completion of the review, MHA has been designated as a “High Performer” scoring 93 out of a possible 100 points assessed by the Department.
Because of this national distinction, MHA will now receive an additional 3% funding allocation from HUD which will be used to make much needed capital repairs throughout the agency. MHA will also receive relief from specific HUD requirements including fewer mandatory reviews and less monitoring from both the local and national offices.
All Mississippi “High Performers” will receive a Certificate of Commendation from HUD at the Mississippi Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials State Conference to be held in Biloxi, MS. The Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) Score Report for Interim Rule is attached.
Additionally, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials NAHRO have recognized MHA Commissioner Wilbert Jones as the top housing commissioner in the country for fiscal year 2015. Mr. Jones has served as a commissioner at MHA for approximately (20) years. He was recognized before his peers at NAHRO’s summer conference in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Jones was selected by the MHA Resident Advisory Board and will be recognized during the March 31st press conference.
The Meridian Housing Authority exists to provide decent, safe and affordable housing opportunities with reasonable accommodations for over 3,500 eligible citizens of Meridian, Mississippi. Additionally, the agency partners with over 15 local organizations and conducts several community service programs that promote self-sufficiency, empowerment and respect.
MHA currently owns and operates 1,232 viable public housing apartments and administers 211 Housing Choice Vouchers throughout the City of Meridian. Additionally, the agency manages 87 market rate apartments.
For more information regarding MHA’s “HUD High Performer Designation”, visit www.meridianhousing.net and click on “press releases. Also visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website at hud.gov.
