St. Petersburg Housing Authority Introduces Martial Arts Classes for Jordan Park Youth Program
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (FEBRUARY 17, 2025) - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) has expanded its Jordan Park Youth Program by introducing martial arts classes in partnership with the Shihan School of Survival. The first martial arts class was successfully held on February 11, 2025, and will continue as a weekly program.
This initiative aims to promote discipline, confidence, and physical fitness while offering Jordan Park youth a safe and structured environment to develop essential life skills.
Founded in 2005 by Shihan Walter Evans, the Shihan School of Survival is dedicated to empowering youth through Jujitsu and Karate training. The program addresses challenges such as youth obesity, violence, bullying, gang activity, criminal behavior, suicide, drug use, and other societal issues by providing students with positive outlets for growth and self-improvement.
Class Schedule & Location:
- Dates: Every Tuesday
- Sessions: 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM (Ages 7-11) and 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM (Ages 12-16)
- Location: The Legacy at Jordan Park, 2350 9th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
"Our partnership with the Shihan School of Survival exemplifies our commitment to providing opportunities that strengthen communities," said Michael Lundy, President and CEO of SPHA. "By incorporating martial arts into our Jordan Park Youth Program, we're helping young people build discipline, self-confidence, and resilience-skills that will benefit them for a lifetime."
The partnership with the Shihan School of Survival was spearheaded by Kiara Lovett, SPHA's Director of Social Services. "We are excited to partner with the Shihan School of Survival," said Lovett. "These classes are a great way for our Jordan Park youth to grow both mentally and physically."
For more information, contact SocialServices@StPeteHA.org
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.
Youth attending the Shihan School of Survival on February 11, 2025.
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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.
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