Florida Housing Authorities Honor Fathers

HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. talks with Gainesville Housing Authority board member Angela Jones during the celebration of dads.

For the fourth consecutive year, Father's Day attracted hundreds of communities across the country to participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Reconnecting Families and Dad's Program, hosting free events to support dads living in public housing to stay connected with their children. This year, more than 400 local public housing agencies hosted events throughout the month of June to celebrate fatherhood and family.

More than 40 of these events took place in Florida. Palatka Housing Authority held two events. One was a father's walk for their children called "Steppin Up". On a separate weekend Palatka hosted an event honoring 60 outstanding fathers nominated by friends and family in Putnam County. They were characterized as "dedicated, confident, loving, determined and unstoppable."

HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr., was able to attend an event held by Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA), where 27-year-old Malik Brown was recognized as the 2014 "Father of the Year", as determined by an essay contest about the nominated fathers. Brown is enrolled in school, working, and still very active in his children's lives. He does his own homework at the same time than his kids. Brown has his own handyman service company and is enrolled in GHA Job Training and Entrepreneurial Program, which strives to help GHA residents become self-sufficient.

Watch public housing dads discuss why fathers matter on HUD's website.

###