Success starts at home when the home is in public housing owned or managed by the Housing Authority of the City of High Point.
Established with a mission to support and enhance the lives of individuals and families through safe, affordable housing, the HPHA has become a cornerstone in the community, committed to improving the quality of life for its residents and building foundations by providing not just housing but comprehensive support to empower its residents to achieve self-sufficiency and success.
Through its various programs and services, the Authority works to ensure that residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. These include public housing, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and initiatives to promote education, economic stability, and community engagement.
Key programs offered by the Authority are The Public Housing Family and Self-Sufficiency Program, which assists families in gaining economic independence; the Section 8 Homeownership Program, which helps families transition to homeownership; the Comprehensive Counseling and Homeownership Program, which provides financial literacy and homeownership counseling; and Community and Supportive Services, which offers programs for elderly and disabled residents, including educational and enrichment opportunities.
A CEO Raised in Public Housing
“We strive to treat each resident with respect and dignity, understanding their unique needs and challenges,” says CEO Angela Jimenez. Raised in the very community she now serves, Jimenez, who is the HPHA’s first female CEO, brings a unique perspective to her role, ensuring that her strategies and initiatives are grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of the program participants’ needs.
Her leadership is characterized by a steadfast dedication to breaking down stereotypes, fostering community engagement, and implementing innovative programs that aim not just to provide housing but to empower lives and build strong foundations for individuals and families.
“I grew up in public housing in High Point, NC, feeling a strong sense of family and community. Those who had more generously shared with those who had less, fostering a true sense of belonging. The stereotypes deeply affected me, but they positioned me to bring about change,” Jimenez adds.
Programs for Youth, Adults, and Seniors
Under Jimenez’s leadership, HPHA offers a variety of programs and services tailored to different age groups and needs. One example is its Seeds-to-Success Initiatives, which include programs for youth, adults, and seniors, ensuring the diverse needs of over 2,400 school-age children and all adult residents. The Family Self-Sufficiency programs, homeownership initiatives, and educational support are all designed to help residents achieve long-term success and independence.
Jimenez emphasizes the importance of training staff to support HPHA’s mission.
“We train our staff to be compassionate, understanding, and knowledgeable about our various programs. We emphasize the importance of listening to residents’ needs and guiding them towards the most appropriate resources and opportunities,” she says.
Technology plays a major role in improving customer experience. During the pandemic, HPHA offered virtual services, including group education and one-on-one certified housing counseling. Technology also helps to streamline application and reporting processes.
“HPHA measures the long-term impact of its customer service initiatives through various metrics, including the number of families achieving self-sufficiency, the number of new homeowners, and overall community impact. “We also track the success stories of our residents like Brenda Rolph, who graduated from our Family Self-Sufficiency Program and became a homeowner,” she adds. Examples such as Brenda serve as powerful indicators of the program’s effectiveness.
Opportunities for Growth
“Our focus is on providing consistent, high-quality services and opportunities for growth,” says Jimenez.
The opportunities for growth and recognition extend to the organization’s Rising Star Award, which was created in 2014 to encourage and award exceptional accomplishments of high school students who are current HPHA program participants. This award is intended to recognize an emerging leader whose record reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in academics, leadership, and community responsibility.
The Rising Star Award is an extension of the Pillars of Fame Award, established in 2005. The Pillars of Fame were modeled after the Wall of Fame in Columbia, South Carolina.
The Pillars of Fame Award program began when The Board of Commissioners of the HPHA, always concerned about the well-being of youth in its communities, wanted a way to present positive, encouraging images and role models. As a result, a committee of Housing Authority staff and other community volunteers began the application and selection process. They believe that youth will be influenced by former residents of Public Housing or Section 8, who became successful leaders and pillars of the community. In fact, Angela Jimenez was the recipient of the Pillars of Fame Award in 2010.
Angela Jimenez offers some inspiring words for HPHA residents and for anyone who is aspiring to success. “Adjust your vision of yourself and your community to see clearly spiritually, physically, and mentally. Overcome stereotypes and negative self-talk, affirming your vision daily. Believe in yourself, as you are enough.”
“No matter what happens in life, keep looking up and looking forward. Not to have the light shine on you but to shine in you. You must understand that the process of personal and professional ups and downs is consistent, just as success and achievement are. Surround yourself with positive people that can breathe life into you and not death. These same people will believe in you even if you don’t believe in yourself. “
Looking Ahead
It’s clear that Angela Jimenez and her leadership at HPHA go beyond administrative duties. She embodies the very essence of transformative leadership—using her position to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, leading with compassion, and paving the way for a brighter future for the High Point community.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of visionary leadership on individuals and communities alike, offering hope and inspiration, especially to those growing up in similar circumstances. Under Jimenez’s leadership, HPHA stands as a beacon of empowerment, inclusivity, and positive change, demonstrating the profound effect of dedicated leadership on fostering resilient and thriving communities.
By Chris Bates
