Dear VAHCDO Membership 

I am pleased to share some exciting news from the Staunton Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

On May 7, 2026, SRHA had the honor of hosting senior HUD leadership for a site visit, including Assistant Secretary Benjamin Hobbs from the Office of Public and Indian Housing, Assistant Deputy Secretary Joseph DeFelice from the Office of Field Policy and Management, HUD Richmond Field Office Director Kelley Mason, and Public and Indian Housing Director Robert Davenport, along with additional Field Office staff — eight HUD staffers in total.

During the visit, Assistant Secretary Hobbs formally accepted SRHA into HUD's Work and Dignity Coalition, presenting us with a certificate of acceptance. The Coalition, launched by Secretary Turner in February 2026, brings together public housing authorities, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations committed to advancing work, opportunity, and self-sufficiency for assisted households. As a Moving to Work Cohort 5 Expansion agency, SRHA is proud to be among the agencies leading this effort.

The visit also included a rich conversation with our local partners, including Mayor Michelle Edwards, SAW Habitat, and the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, as well as a tour of our facilities. It was a tremendous day for our agency and for the broader affordable housing community in the Shenandoah Valley. Chris Lassiter from the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge documented the event — you can view photos from the visit here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VAuRwwTtFKXMWsSD-bbSHXJ-7vQIkXn1?usp=sharing.

I have attached our Work and Dignity Coalition one-pager for your reference. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Best,

Nehemias Velez, COS, CPO.

Executive Director

900 Elizabeth Miller Gardens, Staunton, VA  24401

Phone: 540-886-3413 | Fax: 540-885-5414

https://www.stauntonrha.org/

Staunton RHA Work and Dignity Coalition May 2026.pdf