The Laker/Lutz News

David Lambert

David Lambert’s contributions attract attention

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The Pasco County Commission took a few minutes at its May 18 meeting to thank David Lambert for his many efforts through the years to improve the quality of life in Pasco County.

Lambert, who has worked 27 years for the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), has played a leadership role on numerous boards and has been an advocate for increasing mental health services, according to a resolution adopted by the board.

David Lambert was honored during the Pasco County Commission’s May 18 board meeting. Lambert received a standing ovation for all of the work he has done to serve on boards to help others, particularly those struggling with the challenge of mental illness. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He has been heavily involved in efforts to expand mental health services in Pasco and Hernando County through the “Recovery through Work” program known as Vincent House Pinellas, Vincent House Pasco, and Vincent Academy of the Nature Coast, according to the resolution.

Vincent House Pasco, in partnership with Pasco County’s Community Development department recently received the National Community Development Association 2021 Audrey Nelson Community Achievement Award. The project was cited as an “exemplary and innovative use of Community Development Block Grant funds,” the resolution says.

Vincent House Pasco joins Vincent House Hernando and Pinellas in delivering hope, providing individuals with mental illness the opportunity to rebuild their lives, to increase self-worth and to become productive citizens, the resolution notes.

The honor also highlights Lambert’s work with numerous government and community leaders over the years to help create opportunities for others.

Lambert serves as president of Van Gogh’s Palette covering Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties, which offers needed services to those living with mental illness.

He’s worked with WREC CEO Billy Brown and the WREC staff to improve mental health services throughout the Tampa Bay region, the resolution says.

He’s also worked diligently with Van Gogh’s Palette co-founders Elliott and Dianne Steele; founding board member and retired Pinellas/Pasco Public Defender Bob Dillinger; State Senate President Wilton Simpson; the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pasco County Commission, the resolution says.

Lambert began his career at the WREC 27 years ago, as a meter reader. Over the years, he has worked as a lineman and journeyman, before moving into his current role in which he oversees five departments, including member and community relations, government affairs, purchasing, safety and human resources, the resolution says.

In his professional role, Lambert has worked closely with local, state and federal officials —  fostering the goals and objectives of the WREC’s commitment to its members in its five-county service territory and the community, at large.

He’s held board roles in such organizations as the Pasco County Housing Authority, Pasco-Hernando Career Source Board and Feeding Pasco’s Elderly.

Besides being honored by the county board, Lambert was honored by Summer Blevins, a member of Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ staff.

“I am just here to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of David Lambert, and his countless contributions to our community, and to leave an extension of remarks that have been entered into the official Congressional Record on his behalf,” Blevins said, leaving a binder containing those remarks on the county’s board’s podium for Lambert to pick up.

Lambert was then invited to the podium to offer some remarks.

He responded first, by expressing gratitude.

“Thank you, and I’m very humbled by this proclamation.”

Then, he shared the accolades.

“A lot of credit goes to a lot of people who really have stepped up and done a lot of things. No one does anything by themselves, and you all were instrumental in bringing Vincent House to Pasco, and your leadership was unbelievable.”

He specifically named County Administrator Dan Biles, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, and County Commissioner Jack Mariano and State Senate President Wilton Simpson for leaving no stones unturned.

“And, for that, you’re going to save thousands of lives,” Lambert said.

“Mental health is a big issue within our communities and, nationally, and we certainly need to focus on that a lot more. I’m just greatly appreciative,” he said.

His gratitude also extends to family, the WREC and for the people of Vincent House.

The people of Vincent House, he said, “prove to me every day, that just because you have a disability — a mental illness or something — you can lead a full and productive life, given the tools and resources, if you have them.”

Published May 26, 2021

Advocates address legislators to reduce veteran homelessness

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Local agency officials recently addressed an array of issues facing homeless veterans, before members of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, at a session in New Port Richey.

U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, chairman of the subcommittee, and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, ranking member of the committee, listened to suggestions on reducing veteran homelessness from a group panel, to relay back to the U.S. Congress.

Levin, a Democrat, represents California’s 49th congressional district, and Bilirakis, a Republican, represents Florida’s 12th congressional district.

Mary White was one of several panelists urging an expansion of services for homeless veterans, during a Sept. 16 meeting of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The meeting was at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey. (Brian Fernandes)

Panelists were Joe Battle, director of the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital; Danny Burgess, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs;

David Lambert, chairman of the Pasco County Housing Authority; Michael Raposa, CEO of St. Vincent DePaul Cares; Brian Anderson, CEO and founder of Veterans Alternative; and Mary White, a former homeless veteran.

“Today we’re here to examine and highlight programs and benefits to help combat veteran homelessness,” Bilirakis said, in his opening statement. “There’s been a significant amount of progress made nationwide in reducing homelessness among veterans, but we still have much more work to do.”

Burgess noted that Florida’s VA department implemented the Forward March initiative throughout the state earlier this year. This program teams state agencies with various grassroots organizations to find ways to deal with the crisis.

The executive director told the congressmen that strategies need to be in place to integrate servicemen and servicewomen back into civilian life.

Burgess also advised that the government should make the first initiative, approaching veterans with beneficial opportunities, as opposed to them seeking it out themselves.

“We have about an estimated 2,543 homeless veterans in Florida that we know about,” he said, adding that five counties have already been successful in ending this issue.

Burgess suggested that other regions of the nation could follow their example by having more community-based organizations invested in veterans’ welfare, while working alongside state government.

“As of 2018, Point-in-Time count reveals Pasco (County) and Pinellas County are leading in several homeless statistics, including veteran homelessness,” said Anderson, the Veterans Alternative CEO. “We lack the number of beds needed, and unfortunately cannot build and fund fast enough to keep up with the demand.”

Like Burgess, he emphasized the importance of community involvement backed by government support – especially as it relates to mental health.

More resources should be allocated to wellness programs in addressing the psycho-social needs of veterans, Anderson said.

“Homelessness is not the root cause – rather is a byproduct of several contributing factors, including mental health, medical and economic hardship,” he said.

Levin noted that earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would provide grants in helping states collaborate with veteran organizations to address psychiatric needs for those coming out of service.

The pivotal role of HUD-VASH vouchers
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher program, also was a topic of discussion.

The federal government issues the vouchers to provide suitable housing for low-income people, the elderly and even veterans.

Bilirakis asked Battle: “What is the one message or need that I need to take back to Washington (D.C.) with me, that would make your job easier, or would reduce homelessness among veterans?”

Battle’s response: “How can we adjust HUD vouchers to be able to accommodate for rising rents in different areas.”

The VA hospital director stated that the program has been key in putting veterans into homes, and has seen its benefits.

“At (James A.) Haley, we have 1,060 HUD-VASH vouchers available for use and currently 119 veterans are permanently housed using these vouchers,” Battle explained.

However, as the cost of living continues to escalate, this has been a challenge, he noted.

In addition, Pasco County doesn’t have a sufficient number of homes to put these vouchers toward, said Lambert, chairman of the Pasco County Housing Authority.

The authority recently purchased property to build a 78-unit veterans housing community. But this, too, was a dilemma for the housing authority because various banks refused to lend the necessary funds.

Addressing the congressmen, Lambert said: “We respectfully request the federal government create regulations to do what you have already done in the housing arena – to allow banks to fund our projects.”

A first-hand account
White was one panelist who could attest to the importance of the voucher system.

“The program that probably helped me the most would be HUD-VASH and the housing voucher,” she said. “Without that, I would probably be couch-surfing with my son.”

As a U.S. Army veteran, White found herself as a single mother with an infant, when she became homeless.

With the HUD-VASH voucher, she was able to get herself and her child into an apartment, and various organizations donated furniture and food, she recalled.

White was able to go back to school with the help of the GI Bill, and the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program.

She also was granted a voucher to offset costs for child care while working and in school.

She currently holds a master’s degree and works for the Department of Economic Opportunity.

At the hearing, she took the time to address the transportation barriers that prevent veterans from sustaining a job, as well as their need for proper dental care.

St. Vincent DePaul Cares also was instrumental in helping White get proper housing.

“Since 2012, St. Vincent DePaul Cares has been a leader in many of the areas toward the end of veteran homelessness – including the counties of Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Polk,” said Raposa, the organization’s CEO.

Since the institution began, it has shortened the time it takes for veterans to transition from the street into a home — from 180 days initially to 60 days now, Raposa said.

He implored the congressmen to help expand Florida’s affordable-housing trust fund. Under the Sadowski Coalition, various organizations have pressed lawmakers in putting housing trust funds toward the state’s housing programs.

Raposa noted: “2019 was the first time in many years that we saw the governor’s office and the Senate on the same page to release a historic portion of that money, but the House did not support it. We desperately need your help with that.”

The Sept. 16 hearing was held at the West Pasco Government Center.

Published September 25, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

New housing project unveiled in Dade City

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Local residents and community leaders gathered for a May 12 grand opening ceremony at Hilltop Landings apartments in Dade City, following 18 months of construction.

The $15 million project serves as a replacement for Dade Oaks, a 38-year-old apartment complex that was built at the bottom of a drainage basin, forcing residents to regularly deal with flooding.

Those residents get first dibs on Hilltop Landings, located about a mile away from Dade Oaks, at 15641 14th St.

Future residents and community leaders gather for the ribbon cutting of Hilltop Landings. (Photos courtesy of J.P. Hervis)
Future residents and community leaders gather for the ribbon cutting of Hilltop Landings.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

Designed and constructed by Gorman & Company Inc., the new complex consists of 69 modern, energy-efficient units, serving the needs of low-income families in Pasco County.

Sitting on 13 acres, the development includes a playground, community center and community gardens, all of which are well-lit and monitored with security cameras.

Pasco County pledged $2 million for the project, with the remaining funds coming from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, First Housing, Boston Capital and RBC Capital Markets.

“It’s been a long struggle. It does my heart really well to see what we’ve accomplished here,” Pasco County Housing Authority Chairman David Lambert said at the ceremony. “It’s a far cry from three years ago when we came out and we started working on this complex. It took a lot of people…and we set out on a mission to replace or rehab all of our housing stock.”

Lambert was particularly thankful for HUD’s involvement in helping to facilitate the new development, along with its overall partnership with the housing authority.

Hilltop Landings features 69 modern, energy-efficient units. The project had a $15 million price tag.
Hilltop Landings features 69 modern, energy-efficient units. The project had a $15 million price tag. (Courtesy of J.P. Hervis)

 

“They provide a lot of funding…for some of our most underserved areas,” Lambert said. “We try to transition our folks out of public housing. Home ownership is one of the great American dreams, and HUD is a great provider and a great beacon for us.”

Ellis Henry, director of the state HUD office in Jacksonville, referred to the Hilltop Landings apartments as a “unique” project.

“This is something that’s not going to happen very much with just HUD and the federal funds,” Henry said. “This is a collaboration of many stakeholders, many funding sources, and the state and other entities that provide resources, as well as money to make this happen. That’s the wave of the future, and we’re happy to be a part of it.”

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader said Hilltop Landings “is just one piece of the puzzle” in continuing to grow the county, noting its ability to provide affordable housing to Dade Oaks residents, as well as other low-income families.

“Dade Oaks was in an area that had some challenging issues with flooding and other issues that makes this such an attractive opportunity and an attractive alternative to where (Dade Oaks residents) once were,” Schrader said. “We’re proud to be able to provide some SHP (Supportive Housing Program) money with the HUD money to construct this fine facility.”

A children’s playground is one of the key amenities to Hilltop Landings. There’s also community gardens and a community center.
A children’s playground is one of the key amenities to Hilltop Landings. There’s also community gardens and a community center.

Schrader was also quick to mention the increases in the county’s housing prices, saying, “we still need to be cognizant that housing prices are rising, and (it) is becoming more and more of a challenge for the workforce to have a place they can call home.”

Patricia Gray, a resident of Dade Oaks, will soon be moving into Hilltop Landings, and was delighted the new housing is finally ready.

“Me and all the other residents, we never thought this was going to be here,” she said, “but now we have it, and we don’t have to worry about the flooding. We’re going to be safer.”

Once all residents are moved out of Dade Oaks, those buildings will be demolished and the area will be used for stormwater retention.

Pasco County Public Transportation plans to include Hilltop Landings on its bus route.

Hilltop Landings sits on 13 acres. It has a number of amenities, including on-site management, on-site social services, washers and dryers, a playground, a community center, a community garden, and security cameras and lighting. It has one- to four-bedroom apartments and duplexes.

Published May 18, 2016