ST. PETERSBURG, FL (FEBRUARY 10, 2025) - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) organized a Mentorship Fair in South St. Pete on January 23, 2025. Held at The Legacy at Jordan Park, the event was dedicated to fostering growth, support, and opportunities for the youth of the South St. Pete community.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect with potential mentors and learn how local mentorship programs and organizations can positively impact their children. This initiative is part of SPHA's ongoing efforts to strengthen community ties and empower the next generation through guidance and support.

Participating organizations included:

• St. Petersburg College Midtown Center: https://spcollege.edu
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay: https://bbbstampabay.org
• Friends of the Children Tampa Bay: https://friendstampabay.org

SPHA IN THE NEWS:

• CLICK HERE to read the Tampa Bay News Weekly South Pinellas news brief. >
• CLICK HERE to read the St. Pete Catalyst article. >

Michael Lundy, President and CEO of SPHA, attended the event and emphasized its significance. "Our Mentorship Fair underscores our dedication to building stronger, more connected communities," said Lundy. "By bringing together mentorship programs and families, we're planting the seeds for long-term success and empowering our youth to achieve their full potential."

Also present were Donna Welch, First Lady of the City, and James Dates, Chair of the SPHA Board of Commissioners, reflecting the community-wide support for the event.

The event was spearheaded by Kiara Lovett, SPHA's Director of Social Services, who highlighted the value of mentorship programs. "Hosting this fair allows us to create meaningful connections that will have a lasting impact on the lives of our youth and their families," said Lovett. "We deeply appreciate the involvement of our community partners and their commitment to this shared vision."

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.

From left to right: Chair of the SPHA Board of Commissioners James Dates, President and CEO of SPHA Michael Lundy, and First Lady of the City Donna Welch.

ABOUT JORDAN PARK:

Jordan Park is a historic housing community managed by the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA). It is known for being St. Petersburg's first African American housing community and the oldest federal public housing project in the state. It was originally built between 1939 and 1941.

On November 23, 2021, SPHA received approval from HUD for its Jordan Park redevelopment proposal, which would change the funding structure from Public Housing to Project-Based Vouchers and put the long-awaited community revitalization project into motion. The Jordan Park Redevelopment Project consisted of the following elements:

• Transitioning the Jordan Park family apartments (206 units) from Public Housing to a Project-Based Voucher (PBV) funding platform.
• Renovation of the 206 Family Units (i.e. new flooring, countertops, cabinets, washers and dryers in units, safety features, energy-efficiency improvements, etc.)
• Construction of a new three-story, 60-unit senior midrise building (for households 62 years and older) named "The Legacy at Jordan Park."

On December 14, 2021, SPHA closed on Jordan Park in partnership with co-developer Norstar Development USA, LP, and with the investment of Fannie Mae, KeyBank, and RBC Community Investments. Partners also included the bond issuer, the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County, and the City of St. Petersburg, which provided Community Redevelopment Area funding.

On October 27, 2023, SPHA held the grand opening of The Legacy at Jordan Park. SPHA also celebrated the completion of the surrounding newly renovated 206 Jordan Park Family Units.

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.