NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
10 May 2004

HARRISBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY ATTAINS TOP NATIONAL RANKING

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed and Harrisburg Housing Authority Chairman Leon J. Feinerman today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has designated the Harrisburg Housing Authority(HHA) a “High Performer”, the nation’s highest public housing performance evaluation possible. The distinction makes Harrisburg one of the few agencies in the nation to attain the top ranking.

Reed said the “High Performer” award is the result of an intensive review of HHA’s operations, including physical facilities, financial accountability, management operations, and resident service and satisfaction. The city-based housing agency garnered near perfect scores in every area of evaluation.

“We are very pleased with the Harrisburg’s receipt of this prestigious ranking,” said Mayor Reed. “Over the past decades millions of dollars has been invested in new and revitalized public housing while also investing in the human capital represented by our tenants. More jobs and employment opportunities, educational programs, childcare and healthcare initiatives, and stricter housing policies have helped enhance and improve public housing in Harrisburg, and much more is to come.”

The Mayor said Harrisburg’s cumulative score was 93 in the four categories of assessment, and the national average for the nation’s 3,160 housing authorities is only 87.3.

HHA Board Chairman Feinerman said the Authority is the largest public and affordable housing provider in the region, managing 1,740 units with an operating budget of $14,430,808 in FY 2003. HHA managed units include the M.W. Smith Homes, Morrison Towers, Jackson-Lick Apartments, Hillside Village, W. Howard Day Homes, George A. Hoverter Homes, John A.F. Hall Manor, and various scattered site locations.

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