HHA Newsletter: July 2025: Volume 16
Message from the Executive Director
Dear Residents of the City of Hialeah,
As we welcome the summer season, I want to thank you for being an essential part of our Hialeah Housing Authority community. This time of year brings new energy to our neighborhoods, and we remain focused on strengthening services, enhancing resident programs, and investing in the future of our city.
We're excited to share that the Hoffman Gardens Redevelopment Project is now moving forward in full force. This major transformation will bring high-quality, modern housing to our community while preserving
affordability and expanding opportunity for generations to come.
With summer also comes hurricane season, and I encourage all residents to stay prepared. While you'll find important preparedness information elsewhere in this newsletter, please know that HHA is actively securing our properties and ensuring our teams are ready to respond in the event of a storm.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we'll continue building a stronger, safer, and more connected Hialeah.
Sincerely,
Julio Pence
Executive Director
100 Years in the Making: Hialeah's First Woman Mayor
On April 29, 2025, Jacqueline Garcia Roves was sworn in as Interim Mayor of Hialeah-the first woman in the city's century long history to hold this office. In just her first weeks, she expressed her excitement and commitment:
"It's very exciting to make history ... I'm very honored.... As Mayor, I will continue to serve with the dedication and integrity that our community deserves".
Mayor Garcia Roves has already taken decisive action on critical local issues-advocating for lower water costs, supporting infrastructure improvements, beautification projects, and addressing the need for affordable housing. Known for leading by example, she adds:
"I don't believe in speaking without purpose. I am here to work, to listen and to lead by example"
As Mayor Garcia-Roves begins her tenure, her leadership has reflected a spirit of collaboration and community focus.
HHA looks forward to continuing efforts that benefit all residents of Hialeah.
Hurricane Season Preparedness: Stay Ready, Stay Safe
Hurricane season is here, and preparation is key to protecting yourself, your family, and your home. The Hialeah Housing Authority encourages all residents to take the following steps:
- Create an Emergency Plan
- Know your evacuation zone and nearest shelters
- Keep a list of emergency contacts
- Make plans for pets and family members with special needs
- Prepare an Emergency Kit
- Non-perishable food and water (for at least 3 days)
- Medications, hygiene items, and important documents
- Flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and cash
- Stay Informed
- Sign up for local alerts and warnings
- Monitor weather reports from trusted sources
- Follow instructions from local emergency officials
The safety of our residents is our top priority. HHA will continue to share updates and resources throughout the season. Let's stay prepared and support one another as a community.
Hurricane Preparedness Bags Distributed Community-Wide
In preparation for the 2025 hurricane season, the Hialeah Housing Authority distributed hurricane preparedness bags to all HHA buildings and City of Hialeah senior buildings. This initiative provided essential items and resources to help residents stay ready and safe during storm season.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Rene Garcia and our generous sponsors, Leon Medical Center and Mount Sinai Medical Center, for their invaluable support in making this effort possible.
HHA in the Community
Easter Party 2025: A Celebration to Remember - (Gallery Coming Soon) - On April 10, 2025, the Hialeah Housing Authority, in partnership with the City of Hialeah, hosted a special Easter Lunch Party for our elderly residents. The event was filled with warmth, music, and festive spirit, offering our seniors a joyful afternoon of delicious food and community connection. We were honored to welcome Mayor Esteban "Steve" Bovo Jr., in his final appearance as Mayor of Hialeah, along with Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves, who has since taken office with dedication and care. Also in attendance were Hialeah Chief of Police George Fuente, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, Hialeah Commissioners Carl Zogby and Juan Junco, and HHA Executive Director Julio Ponce, all joining in support of our senior community. Special thanks to all the officials, staff, and volunteers who helped make this celebration memorable. Events like this reflect the shared commitment of HHA and the City of Hialeah to honoring and uplifting our elderly residents.
Honoring Mothers with Love and Gratitude - (Gallery Coming Soon) - On May 8, 2025, the Hialeah Housing Authority and the City of Hialeah hosted a beautiful Mother's Day Lunch & Dance to celebrate the incredible mothers and mother figures in our senior community. The event was filled with joyful moments-music, dancing, and heartfelt appreciation-as residents came together to honor the women who have shaped generations with strength, love, and dedication. Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves and HHA Executive Director Julio Ponce joined residents to celebrate and show their appreciation, adding to the warm and uplifting atmosphere of the afternoon. We extend our sincere thanks to the city officials, community partners, and volunteers who helped make this celebration so meaningful. A special thank you to Leon Medical Center for their generous sponsorship and continued support of our senior community.
Senior Breakfast at Amelia Earhart Park - (Gallery Coming Soon) - On May 22, 2025, the Hialeah Housing Authority hosted a special Senior Breakfast at Amelia Earhart Park, generously sponsored by Leon Medical Center. The event brought together our elderly residents for a warm and engaging morning of conversation, food, and community connection. Guests enjoyed a delicious brunch-style menu prepared by Chef Ramoncito, whose culinary talents added a flavorful and festive touch to the morning. Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves joined the breakfast to personally greet attendees and show her support. Also present were the Hialeah Fire Chief and representatives from all fire department divisions, highlighting the city's strong commitment to our senior community. We thank Leon Medical Center for their continued partnership and all the city departments that participated to make this event truly meaningful.
Father's Day Celebration - (Gallery Coming Soon) - On June 12, 2025, the Hialeah Housing Authority and the City of Hialeah hosted a vibrant Father's Day Lunch & Dance to honor the fathers and father figures in our senior community. The presence of Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves, Councilman Juan Junco, Chief of Police George Fuente, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, City of Hialeah Commissioner Monica Perez, and HHA's Executive Director Julio Ponce added a special touch to this heartfelt event. Messages of appreciation were shared from the Office of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and the Office of Senator René García, and a personal message was sent by Senator Rick Scott, recognizing the vital role of fathers in our community and extending warm wishes to all attendees. We thank Leon Medical Center for their sponsorship, and the offices of Miami-Dade Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis and Senator René García for their invaluable support in making this celebration possible.
Job Fair a Tremendous Success! - (Gallery Coming Soon) - The Hialeah Housing Authority, in collaboration with CareerSource South Florida, proudly hosted a highly successful Job Fair, bringing together nearly 40 participating agencies, many of which are year-round partners with HHA. The event connected residents with a wide range of employment and community service opportunities.
Some of the featured agencies included:
- Consolidated Credit
- Miami Dade College, Hialeah Campus
- Hialeah Police Department - Victim Advocate
- Self-Help Credit Union, Miami Springs
- Community Medical Group, Hialeah Center
- Florida International University (FIU)
A full list of participating organizations was highlighted in the official event flyer. This impactful event would not have been possible without the dedication, teamwork, and coordination of our incredible HHA staff, including Joel Bonilla (Director of Housing), Yamila Vega (Asset Manager), Ileana Gonzalez (Property Manager, Palm Center), Edel Dominguez (Maintenance Staff), and FSS Program Staff: Anyely Batista, Barbara Ferreiro, and Jeammy Valdivia. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the entire CareerSource South Florida team for their exceptional partnership and support. Their collaboration played a key role in the event's success and in expanding job opportunities for our residents. We thank everyone involved in planning, outreach, logistics, and coordinating with sponsors. Your professionalism and commitment were essential to the event's success. Together, we made a lasting impact on our community and demonstrated the strength and unity of the HHA team!
Save the Date! HHA Job Fair - Milander Center - September 24, 2025
Mark your calendars! The Hialeah Housing Authority, in collaboration with CareerSource South Florida, is proud to announce our next Job Fair taking place at the Milander Center on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with top employers, explore job openings, and access valuable community resources.
More details coming soon!
HHA Elderly Services - (Gallery Coming Soon)
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
- July 4, 2025 - Independence Day - HHA Office Closed
- August 19, 2025 - National Senior Citizens Day
- September 2, 2025 - Labor Day - HHA Office Closed
- September 11, 2025 - Patriot Day (National Day of Remembrance)
- September 17, 2025 - Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
- September 22, 2025 - First Day of Fall
- September 24, 2025 - HHA Job Fair at Milander Center
Hialeah Housing Authority
Maida Gutièrrez - Chairwoman
Bárbie Hernández - Vice- Chairwoman
Fara Alvarez - Commissioner
María Rodríguez - Commissioner
Evan Evan González - Commissioner
