Welcome New HHQ Board Members!
David Rufus
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Ben Walsh |
Sarah Merrick |
Jacqueline McMullen |
David Rufus, a lifelong Southside resident, focuses
his energy and skills on working to bring back his neighborhood from
the brink of decay and disinvestment. He worked with the Syracuse Housing
Authority for 27 years and in 2000, helped found Southeast Gateway Community
Development Corp for which he now serves as Executive Director.
Ben Walsh serves as both the Director of Urban Initiatives for the
Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and CNY (MDA) and the
Executive Director of the New York State Urban Council. In his current
roles, Ben focuses his efforts on the revitalization of the region's
urban cores. Ben is an active member of several organizations including
40 Below, the Northside Collaboratory, and the Friends of Lipe Art Park.
Sarah Merrick currently serves as the Department of Social Services
Program Coordinator for Onondaga County, overseeing both 500
plus annual County contracts and homelessness/housing activities within
the county. Sarah worked at United Way of CNY for 13 years as Vice President
of Community Initiatives and as the first Director of Success By 6. She
currently serves on the boards of Transitional Living Services and the
Women's Fund.
Rocci Decaro was born and raised in Syracuse and
is currently self-employed, spending much of his time renovating
and restoring his Northside, Nationally-registered historic home which
he plans on turning into the Luminaire Bed and Breakfast. Since 2007,
Rocci has led the Prospect Hill Neighborhood Watch Program and was instrumental
in his citizen participation on the Prospect Hill Steering Committee
providing input into the overall neighborhood plan and project.
Jacqueline McMullen, a Syracuse native, purchased a home rehabbed
by Home HeadQuarters in the same neighborhood as her seven siblings
and mother on the city's
Westside. Jacqueline works as a case manager for the Comprehensive Medicaid
Case Management Program at the Syracuse Community Health Center. She
currently sings as part of a gospel quartet called Rejoicing Voices
and is a member of the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Center.
Click here
for a complete listing of Home HeadQuarters' Board of Directors »
Higher Toilets and Lower Sinks
It may not sound like much, but often it's the small home modifications
like lowering sinks and putting in higher toilets that can make all the difference
for an older adult or someone with disabilities to remain in their home.
Home HeadQuarters' Access to Home Program can provide deferred loans (no
payback provided eligibility requirements are met) of up to $25,000 for accessibility
modifications including kitchens, bathrooms, ramps and more for homeowners
and renters throughout Onondaga County. For a printable flyer on
the Access to Home Program, click here »
Construction Boot Camp
 Home HeadQuarters recently welcomed two new construction apprentices to its
Opportunity Headquarters team, or as one of the new apprentices called it, "the
construction boot camp." Supremiss Bey, a native Syracusean, has worked
in customer service and as a youth coordinator in school day camp programs.
He looks at joining the construction team as his stepping stone to bigger and
better things and hopes one day to start his own siding and insulation business.
Sean Cunningham just recently moved back to Syracuse after
doing commercial plumbing and concrete work in North Carolina. Sean came to
HHQ through Matawan Development Corporation's Lead Class. He is interested
in learning the basics of home building, but especially likes how he can see
how his work makes the community look better.
HomeOwnership Center Awards
Sharon Owens and the rest of the HomeOwnership Center crew just
finalized a special three-year homebuyer education program made
possible through NeighborWorks® America sponsored by Countrywide
and Bank of America. For their efforts, HHQ Staff was awarded "Highest
Homeownership Rate Units" and "Most Effective Seminar
Coordination" for all participating agencies in New York
State.
Help Wanted
Home HeadQuarters is seeking a part-time Front Desk Receptionist who can
operate a multi-line phone, route all incoming calls, greet and direct customers,
sort mail and provide some admin support. Must be fluent in English & Spanish.
HS Diploma with knowledge of MS Office Suite required. For consideration,
send resume and cover letter to: Home HeadQuarters, Inc. ATTN: Shannon F.,
124 E. Jefferson St., Syracuse, NY 13202 or info@homehq.org. EOE
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