Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarWork could begin as early as next week on the Mt. Barton housing units after a $2.9 million funding from HUD was granted to the Meridian Housing Authority.

Call it a home party.

Meridian Housing Authority residents, officials and city representatives were in a celebratory mood Wednesday morning at a meeting to reveal the details of a $2.9 million award by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund repairs at all six MHA properties.

Meridian Housing Authority is responsible for six properties that provide affordable public housing to more than 4,000 residents.

“We are happy and elated about the funding. The money is in the bank,” MHA Executive Director Ron Turner said to hearty applause from a large group in attendance at MHA’s central office training room. “We’re excited about getting contracts started. However, we will be following HUD’s procurement process to make sure all contractors are eligible. We can’t steer business, but we want to open up opportunities for our local contractors for services.”

Funds from the $2,903,760 Capital Fund Financing Program Revenue Bonds are to be used for maintenance and security at properties at George Reese/Magnolia Courts, Highway Village, Mountain View/Mount Barton, Sowashee Courts, Western Gardens/Oakland Heights and Eastern Gardens.  

Turner said improvements could begin as early as mid-February or the first of March. Maintenance at specific properties includes installing security cameras, replacing smoke detectors, replacement of roofs and awnings and repair of sidewalks and repair erosion around properties.

“We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Turner said. “To all the residents, we are doing this for you. We want to improve the quality of life for our residents. Our goal is to ensure every resident the opportunity to transition into their own home.”

Turner said it has taken a year to get the approval process from HUD finalized.

Meridian Mayor Percy Bland lauded Turner and other MHA officials for the accomplishment.

“I am so excited that the Meridian Housing Authority has received its financing proposal from HUD which will result in over $2.9 million being invested in the Meridian economy,” Bland said. “This project is good for residents of the Meridian Housing Authority and is good for the city. The funding is going to improve their housing units while also providing surveillance and other security systems to improve their quality of life. I thank Mr. Turner and the directors for all the work they did in getting this project.”

Meridian City Council President Kim Houston was pleased for the residents.

“We are excited about this opportunity,” Houston said. “Whatever we can do to help, we’ll do. Quality of life is so important. With this money and opportunity to impact our community, we know there is nothing too hard for our God.”

Turner said a contractor workshop is scheduled for Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. at the MHA office.

MHA Resident Advisory Board President Brenda Griffin also expressed elation.

“Thank you for the past year and all you’ve done for the residents,” Griffin said looking toward Turner. “We want to thank you and we want to thank everybody. I am so proud the Meridian Housing Authority thinks enough of its residents to want better for us.”