Lakeland Housing Authority Ranks As High Performer On Its Public Housing Assessment System (Phas) And Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (Semap) For Fiscal Year 2014

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Contacts:
Carlos Pizarro, Vice-President of Housing at cpizarro@lakelandhousing.org
Valerie Brown, Vice-President of Administration and Finance at vbrown@lakelandhousing.org

Polk County — The Lakeland Housing Authority (LHA) announced that it has been designated as a High Performer on the Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (SEMAP). These reviews and audits are conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD’s PHAS and SEMAP rating systems measure performance and define acceptable public housing standards for key areas of public housing and Section 8 management. The PHAS rating system is based on four major indicators: physical condition, financial condition, management operations and capital funds. The LHA scored 36 out of 40 points for its physical condition. 

The LHA also scored 25 out of 25 for its financial condition demonstrating continuous improvement with the agency receiving its first perfect rating in this category. In the category of management operations, the LHA scored 21 out of 25 points, another increase compared to previous scores in this area. In the category of capital funds, the LHA scored a perfect 10 out of 10 points. This reflects the LHA’s ability to maintain a high occupancy rate and the efficient timeliness of its fund obligations, the final PHAS score is 92 out 100 possible points. Additionally, the Section 8 Program received a final score of 95 out of 100 for its SEMAP review, the SEMAP rating system is based on fourteen major indicators. Overall, the LHA is pleased with its high performer ranking and looks forward to continuing its ascension of the PHAS rating scale. 

The LHA will continue to monitor its own progress on achieving its goals and objectives using an internal Goals Management Plan that was created for the LHA’s most recent strategic plan. The Executive Director, Benjamin Stevenson, stated that “This score and designation as a high performing housing agency is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the LHA community which consists of the LHA staff, Board of Commissioners and active residents. The score demonstrates that working together for a common good can produce very positive results.” To learn more about the LHA and its programs go to www.lakelandhousing.org

 5/20/2015