Fort Worth Multifamily Hub staff recently joined the property managers and residents of the Vega Place Senior Apartments August 16, in celebrating the grand opening of Fort Worth’s first-ever Neighborhood Networks Learning Center in an “all-seniors” housing complex. The Vega Place Neighborhood Networks Learning Center became the learning and activities center of the one-hundred-plus Section 8-assisted senior citizens living at the complex and the numerous other elderly citizens who will also participate in the activities offered at the center.
The learning center includes a computer center equipped with four stand-alone computers, two lap-top computers, a printer, a scanner and a digital camera, most of which were donated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fort Worth office. The facility also includes a clothes care center and a club room which is transformed every first and third Tuesday of the month into a grocery store for the Vega Place’s Food Bank program.
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What makes the opening of this learning center even more impressive is the fact that when the California Commercial Investment Company bought the facility in May of 2000, the complex was failing in most major categories of HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) Property Inspection Process. The new owner, however, had a brighter vision for the Vega Place Senior Apartments. During the last two years, they have invested in upgrades such as new heating and air conditioning units, interior remodeling, exterior paint, new windows and landscaping. In the most recent HUD REAC inspection, Vega Place passed with flying colors.
Ja’net Huling, the Vega Place Property Manager, and Tresa Echols, the Vega Place Resident Association President, have formed community partnerships to develop programs offered through the learning center. Southwood Baptist Church, for example, has partnered with Vega Place to provide volunteers to teach residents how to use the computers. Additional examples of partnerships include the Vega Place Food Bank where residents can shop free. The groceries are donated by organizations like the Tarrant County Area Food Bank and Kroger Food Stores. The Fort Worth Health Department is conducting a chronic illness management class which teaches the residents how to manage their diseases and understand their medications.
The Fort Worth HUD Office was recognized during the celebration for its leadership and assistance in making the Vega Place Neighborhood Networks Learning Center a reality. Fort Worth’s Multifamily Hub Director, E. Ross Burton, spoke on behalf of the Department. Virgie M. Anderson, the HUD Multifamily Project Manager, and Vernon Butler Jr., the HUD Multifamily Neighborhood Network Program Officer were recognized at the grand opening celebration. Special recognized was also given to the Austin Affordable Housing Corporation, the Vega Place management team, and Ray McCoy, Director of the Seniors Ministry of the Southwest Baptist Church.
