SPHA Recognized at Chase State of the Housing Market Event

By The St. Petersburg Housing Authority

TAMPA BAY, FL - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) was honored to be invited to the Chase State of the Housing Market luncheon in Tampa on October 5, 2023. SPHA Social Services Coordinator Kiara Lovett served on a panel of four at the event. She was joined by Development Director of Housing for the City of Tampa Kayon Henderson, CEO of Solita's House Aidza Antonio Thomas, and NAREB Tampa President Sherman Milton III. During the panel, Kiara discussed the outstanding work SPHA is undertaking to empower low-income residents of St. Petersburg with innovative tools, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and become homeowners.

The panel and presentations of the workshop focused on Chase's racial equity commitment and the steps they are taking to reduce the homeownership disparities among members of the Black and LatinX communities. The presentation was aimed at real estate agents, who both Chase and Freddie Mac acknowledged were the key and the bridge to communities successfully connecting with housing resources. They shared information about the many programs available to low-income community members which can enable them to become homeowners.

During the event, SPHA received special recognition for the work we are doing to overcome the disparities seen in underserved communities, and highlighted the tools and support that we provide to help our residents successfully obtain and maintain self-sufficiency and homeownership. Also celebrated were the two successful home purchases made by SPHA participants with Chase this year!

The luncheon concluded with a Freddie Mac presentation on current housing statistics in Tampa Bay and around the country, and discussed their Equitable Housing Plan, a pathway for advancing equitable and sustainable housing in minority communities.

SPHA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Chase for extending the invitation to participate in this insightful event.

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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.