Jackson Free Press

The city of Jackson and the Jackson Housing Authority will unveil the state's first solar-power-assisted affordable housing with a tour of the new Midtown Housing Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

The $5.9-million development includes 16 single-family units in eight duplexes, and six more units in two triplexes at the corner of Lamar and Livingston streets. The tour will take place in one of the duplexes at the corner of Bell and Lamar streets.

Duvall Decker Architects designed the buildings to be sustainable, energy-efficient and durable, while remaining economical. The project employed 18 people, and adhered to U.S. Housing and Urban Development rules, which requires contractors to hire local, low-income persons, and minority and female-owned businesses.

"A partnership of residents and other community stakeholders was forged to pilot the first solar powered affordable housing project in Mississippi," Sheila Jackson, Executive Director of the Jackson Housing Authority, said in a Nov. 27 statement. "This partnership was a large and diverse collaboration of various groups over a period of five years. I am finally pleased to announce that within the next two days, families will begin moving into these new housing units. With the implementation of various energy-efficiency amenities, both the families and JHA will see a substantial decrease in utility usage and operational costs."

The development also included the renovation of a commercial building at the corner of Lamar and Fortification streets, which now houses the University of Mississippi Medical Center's UNACARE Health Center, Spurlock's Barber Shop and a community room.

Last Week for Toys for Tots

This is the last week parents can register in Jackson for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves' Toys for Tots program.

Toys for Tots will provide three unwrapped toys to eligible children between the ages of 0 and 15 years old for the holidays. Applications are available at the Jackson Medical Mall at 350 Woodrow Wilson Ave.

Registration is open through Friday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Applicants will need to bring the following documents with them:

¥ Valid photo identification for head of household (person registering family) ¥ Social Security cards or print outs from a SS Office for all adults and children living in household ¥ Birth certificates for all children 15 and under living in household or documentation stating guardianship of minors ¥ Proof of all household income including all check stubs, SSI, retirement, welfare, unemployment, VA, child support, food stamps, etc. ¥ Proof of all household expenses- paid and unpaid-receipts for rent, utilities, phone, child care, furniture or car notes, insurance, etc.

The mission of Toys for Tots is to collect and distribute unwrapped toys as Christmas gifts for needy children from low-income families. Donators can drop off toys at and Walmart or Walgreens locations, or at Jackson City Hall at 219 S. President St.

Toys for Tots needs volunteers to distribute and sort the toys. Volunteers will deliver toys to qualified families Saturday, Dec. 15. For information about volunteering, call Keyshia Sanders at 601-960-1084.

*Update: A former version of this story read that Toy for Tots registration would be open through Thursday, and then again on Saturday. The city of Jackson notified the JFP Thursday morning that registration would be open Friday.

Affordable Senior Housing Opens

Cade Courtyard Senior Apartments celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting this morning.

The development is a collaboration of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Trustmark National Bank and a grant from the Affordable Housing Program. Region VI Housing Authority and the Mississippi Home Corporation were also partners in the development.

The apartments are now available to income-qualified citizens, age 62 and older.

The 89,000-square-foot apartment complex is located on West Ridgeway Street, next to the Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Members of the church played a big role in completing the development.

"The Cade Courtyard is the first phase of the churches '20/20 Vision' strategic plan," Reginald Buckley, executive pastor at Cade Chapel, stated in a press release. "The plan intentionally reinvests in and uplifts the community and the people who reside in the neighborhoods sounding the church."

Cade Courtyard consists of 81 luxury, one- and two-bedroom, independent-living apartments. Each unit has hardwood floors, granite counter tops, washer, dryer, ceiling fans, central air conditioning, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, oven/stove and refrigerator. The complex also has a lounge, computer and business center, beauty/barbers shop, library, community room and a fitness center.

City Hosts Networking Reception

The Jackson Convention Complex will host the third annual Doing Business with the City Networking Reception on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The city expects hundreds of contractors and business owners to gather at the event to network and receive first-hand consultation on working with the city in numerous capacities.

Staff from the city's Department of Planning and Development's offices of Economic Development, Code Services, Zoning and City Planning will be on-hand to speak to attendees. They will provide information about serving as a primary contractor for the city, receiving Minority Business Enterprise certification, the Equal Business Opportunity Plan application process, contract award procedures, and invoicing and payments.

The reception is free, and the city doesn't require pre-registration. For more information on the Doing Business with the City networking reception, call Michael Davis at 601-960-1851.