Overcoming Through a Global Pandemic
Denver Housing Authority ’ s vision statement articulates that every individual or family shall have quality and affordable housing in communities offering empowerment , economic opportunity , and a vibrant living environment . This vision remained intact throughout the Covid-19 pandemic in which DHA worked to provide affordable housing , safe and healthy communities and maintain thriving neighborhoods .
In addition to its affordable housing mandate , DHA also provides myriad resident services . DHA services promote education , employment , economic self-sufficiency , community building , youth development , aging-in-place , and even homeownership . These services build DHA communities and foster resident leadership skills , which in turn grow self-esteem , feelings of self-efficacy and leads to housing communities that reflect the needs , desires and ideas of our residents . All these efforts build social capital and build better communities for Denver .
During the pandemic , DHA forged ahead in delivering programs for residents and the community at large . Here is an overview of how we stayed the course in a time of turbulence .
Keeping residents safe
• Delivered more than 22,000 boxes of food to residents .
• Delivered Covid Care Packages to all public housing units .
• Received $ 58,000 in Covid support donations and grants .
• Received $ 160,000 to purchase holiday gift cards for children .
• Raised $ 155,000 donations in general for the “ Wall of Fame ” fundraiser .
Elevating our team ' s skills
• 14 employees received virtual Leadership Training Certificates .
• 5 employees received virtual Master ’ s Training Certificates .
• Launched Wellness Wednesdays , which provides health engagement events , information , resources , and ongoing Covid-19 safety procedures .
• Developed a Cybersecurity program to combat external cyber threats .
Growing our partnerships
• Enrolled 184 youth in the Youth Employment Academies ( YEA )
• Creative and Culinary Academies , with a 94 % completion rate .
• Opened a new social enterprise under
YEA — a culturally relevant grocery store called Decatur Fresh Market .
• Secured a contract with Meow Wolf to be the primary grab-and-go food provider .
• Secured healthy food for Denver Kids grant to provide healthy food services in West Denver .
• Created a Sun Valley Cookbook with resident ’ s recipes .
• Created a Community Connector Handbook as a guidebook for residents .
• Implemented harvest and multicultural block parties .
Educating towards employment
• Provided 21 paid youth internships .
• Held the 9 Health Fair in Mariposa neighborhood .
• Distributed 215 backpacks to kids .
Through DHA ’ s education and employment programs :
• 160 participants received job readiness / soft skills training
• 41 participants secured employment during the pandemic
• 83 participants earned a nationally recognized certificate
Keo Frazier , Denver Housing Authority www . aamdhq . org NOV / DEC 2021 TRENDS | 25