HHA Newsletter: January 2025 - Volume 14
Message from the Executive Director:
Dear Residents of the City of Hialeah,
As we reflect on the past year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our elected officials in Hialeah, Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr., Council President Jacqueline Garcia-Roves, and Councilmember Carl Zogby, Councilmember Monica Perez, Councilmember Jesús Tundidor, Council Vice President Luis Rodriguez, and Councilmember Melinda De La Vega. Your continued support and generous contributions have made a significant impact on our community.
We are especially grateful for Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Senator Rene Garcia, Senator Bryan Avila, State Representative Alex Rizo, State Representative Tom Fabricio, and Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, whose advocacy and dedication have helped improve the lives of our residents. Thanks to your involvement, we've been able to bring joy and relief to many families through initiatives such as turkey distributions, holiday toy drives, and other festive community events. These efforts not only strengthen our community but also bring hope and smiles to those who need it most.
Your partnership is invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration to serve the residents of Hialeah. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our community's well-being "Together we will continue to make Hialeah thrive". Thank you for your support and for reading this quarter's newsletter.
Warm regards,
Julio Ponce
Executive Director
Season of Giving: A Community United in Gratitude and Joy
This past holiday season, the Hialeah Housing Authority, alongside our dedicated partners, came together to spread warmth and generosity through our annual Turkey Distribution and Toy Drive events. These memorable moments captured the true spirit of the season-neighbors helping neighbors, smiles shared, and hearts filled with gratitude.
Through these efforts, we provided hundreds of families with the means to celebrate Thanksgiving with a hearty meal and brought holiday magic to children with gifts that lit up their faces. These acts of kindness demonstrated the strength and unity of our Hialeah community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the elected officials, local organizations, and volunteers who helped make this season truly special. Together, we built a brighter, more connected community-one act of kindness at a time.
Here's to cherishing the season of giving and looking forward to a new year filled with love, generosity, and the
unshakable spirit of Hialeah!
Photos coming soon
HHA Annual Job Fair: Empowering FSS Participants - On September 25, 2024, the Hialeah Housing Authority hosted its Annual Job Fair for participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. This event brought together local employers, community partners, and job seekers with the shared goal of fostering economic independence and growth. Participants had the opportunity to explore diverse job openings, connect directly with potential employers, and access valuable resources to support their career development. We extend our gratitude to all the employers and organizations who participated in making this event a success. Your commitment helps empower our FSS families to achieve their goals and build brighter futures.
Photos coming soon
2024 HHA Landlord Summit: Strengthening Partnerships - On October 17, 2024, the Hialeah Housing Authority hosted the 2024 Landlord Summit, bringing together landlords, property managers, and community leaders to collaborate on providing quality, affordable housing. We were honored to welcome Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr. as our special guest. His inspiring remarks emphasized the vital role landlords play in supporting housing initiatives and strengthening our community. The summit featured updates on HHA programs, resources for landlords, and opportunities to provide feedback and network with peers.
Photos coming soon
Happy Birthday, Commissioner Rodriguez! - On October 19, 2024, the Hialeah Housing Authority celebrated the birthday of our esteemed Commissioner, Maria Rodriguez, in a heartfelt gathering at the HHA lunchroom where she generously volunteers her time. The event was filled with warmth and joy, featuring a beautiful cake, heartfelt messages, and shared moments of gratitude for Commissioner Rodriguez's unwavering commitment and leadership.
We wish Commissioner Rodriguez continued happiness, health, and success. Happy Birthday, Commissioner Rodriguez!
Photos coming soon
Thanksgiving Elderly Celebration - On November 14, 2024, the Hialeah Housing Authority hosted its annual Thanksgiving Party for our beloved elders-a heartwarming celebration filled with love, gratitude, and togetherness. The room buzzed with joy as residents gathered to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast, surrounded by the warmth of friends and neighbors. This unforgettable day was made possible by the dedication of our staff, the kindness of our volunteers, and the unwavering support of our community partner Leon Medical Centers. To everyone who played a part in creating this special moment, thank you for helping us spread so much love and joy this holiday season. Together, we make Hialeah a true family.
Photos coming soon
Happy Birthday, Commissioner Alvarez! - On December 17, 2024, the Hialeah Housing Authority celebrated the birthday of our dedicated Commissioner, Fara Alvarez, at a joyful gathering in the Vivian Villas lunchroom, the very building she calls home. Surrounded by neighbors, colleagues, and friends, the celebration was a heartfelt tribute to her unwavering commitment to our community.
The event was filled with warmth, laughter, and appreciation, featuring a delicious cake and sincere messages of gratitude for Commissioner Alvarez's leadership and dedication. Her efforts continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the residents she serves, embodying the true spirit of service and community.
We are proud to honor Commissioner Alvarez on her special day and wish her a year filled with happiness, health, and success.
Happy Birthday, Commissioner Alvarez!
Photos coming soon
New Year's Elderly Celebration: A Joyful Start to 2025 - On January 9, 2025, Hialeah Housing Authority recently hosted a New Year's Elderly Celebration, bringing together our senior residents to welcome 2025 with joy and unity. The event featured music, refreshments, and a warm atmosphere to kick off the year on a positive note.
We were honored to have Councilman Jesús Tundidor, Councilman Juan Junco, and Councilwoman Melinda De La Vega join us in celebrating alongside Executive Director Julio Ponce. Their presence highlighted the importance of fostering connections within our community and supporting our elderly residents.
Thank you to everyone who made this event a success and helped spread cheer as we start the new year together. Here's to a wonderful 2025 filled with health, happiness, and community spirit!
Photos coming soon
Honoring Our HHA Volunteers - On October 3, 2024, the Hialeah Housing Authority hosted a special luncheon at "La Bodeguita" to honor our dedicated volunteers. This event was a heartfelt celebration of their invaluable contributions and commitment to supporting our community.
Volunteers play an essential role in the success of our programs, and this luncheon was an opportunity to express our gratitude for their hard work and passion. The event featured delicious food, camaraderie, and special acknowledgments for those who go above and beyond to make a difference.
Thank you to all the volunteers who make our mission possible. Your dedication and generosity are truly inspiring!
Your Local Government at Work
Hialeah Housing Authority
Julio Ponce, Executive Director
Maida Gutierrez, Chairwoman
Fara Alvarez, Commissioner
Maria Rodriguez, Commissioner
HHA Elderly Services
The Recreational and Activities Program offers trips to various sites across South Florida, as well as pick-up and drop-off services for grocery shopping. Activities are available by reservation only. If you are interested in the program, please contact the Recreation and Activities Department at 305.257.3502 or 305.888.9744 Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2025 Important Dates
- January 20, 2025 - Martin Luther King, Jr. (HHA Offices Closed)
- Friday 17, 2025 - President's Day. (HHA Offices Closed)
- April 18, 2025 - Good Friday. (HHA Offices Closed)