In the Spotlight:  Meet the TBRV Program

The Tenant Based Rental Voucher Program is a HOPWA TBRA funded housing Program.  TBRA is intended to provide long term housing stability for persons living with HIV/AIDS.   HOPWA TBRA is a program that provides permanent housing to low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.   HOPWA TBRA operates similar to a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) however with fewer entry criteria to ensure that persons living with HIV/AIDS have access to decent, safe, and affordable housing resources.   We are currently assisting 270 families.  We opened our waitlist in June 2009 and had our waitlist lottery on July 8th, 2009 to create our 300 name list.  I have assembled a great team that is working hard to not only provide housing but is also making sure our tenants are linked to needed services.  The TBRV Program is putting the  back in public housing!

TIFFANY ANDRETTA ARIEAGUS, Lead Housing Specialist: Entertainer, Activist & Advocate.   I have been an activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS since the beginning.  Long before the Government acknowledged and made funds available, I traveled the Country helping to raise money to bring awareness and much needed funds to people and organizations affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. I have worked in the field for 13 years and during my time at Center One I started the first Transgender Program in Broward County and worked diligently to bring awareness to the ever growing epidemic in the forgotten transgender community.  I truly enjoy my work in the TBRV program being able to make a difference in so many people’s lives!  ADAM ROSE, Lead Housing Inspector / Specialist: I am 40yrs old; married with a wife that works full time and goes to school full time for her masters in family therapy. I have 3 kids, 16, 12, and 5yr old. My 12yr old has ADHD and my 4yr old is autistic and they keep us very busy but I love it. I like to hunt and fish when I get a chance. I have been a housing inspector for 3 yrs and home inspections for 5yrs. I was in the carpenters union for 5yrs in N.Y. and work non union for 5yrs and cooked for Outback Steakhouse for 10yrs+ and with TBRV Program for almost 15 months and enjoy it very much.

RON WALKER, Housing Inspector: First of all I would like you all to know how happy I am to be a part of this great organization. I have lived in the Oakland Park/Wilton Manors area since 1956. Attended Northeast High School and after graduating went to work with Florida Power & Light Co. Is where I went thru an apprenticeship program to become an electrical lineman. I left FPL to pursue an opportunity to work overseas in Saudi Arabia Building a generating system and transmission lines. After returning to the states I joined Bellsouth where I worked as a Telecommunications technician for 18 years. After leaving Bellsouth I set up a home repair business and became a licensed real estate agent. I currently live in Wilton Manors with my wife, Yvonne and my son, Christopher.

TANDY BOATWRIGHT, Housing Specialist: I am a military brat and the only girl out of 4 boys, so I guess you can say I’m just a brat. I am originally from Fort Knox, Ky. I came to Florida after divorcing my ex military husband.  And after 15 years I had the guts to get remarried on December 24, 2009, (Merry Christmas Charlie Brown). I am a mother of 4 children, 3 girls and 1boy. In the bunch, a daughter graduating from college May 8, 2010. I am a student at Palm Beach Community College. And I have been a housing specialist for 5 years. Before I enter into the world of housing I worked with Sherwin Williams and Mabson Investigations. This is my first time working in the field of HIV/AIDS, and people are people. Personally working with individuals there is never a dull moment. It all comes down to one conclusion people make the world go round. After saying that, I’ll say this. It is an honor to work with an agency that really cares for the people, and really tries to make a difference.

SUSAN CHANG, TBRV Program Data / Finance Clerk: Migrated from Trinidad about 10 years age and moved to New York where I spent 6 years and then relocated to Florida where I have lived for the past 4 years. I am married and have two beautiful kids whom I adore, a girl and a boy who is 8 and 5 respectively. I work full time here at the Broward House and I must say that ever since I got involved with this organization about one and a half years ago, it has changed the way I view life.  I feel very happy to be part of the TBRV team and I am also very blessed to be part of this wonderful organization.

HOPE LASLEY-MOORE, Reception: Moved to South Florida in 1999 from Montgomery County Maryland were all my family resides and my two wonderful Sons, one is currently in the U.S. Marine and so proud of them.  I have been employed by Broward House since December 2004 and worked in the finance Department as the Payroll clerk until May 2008.  Then in June 2008, I transitioned to the Client Services Center as the receptionist.  This was a total different experience for me working directly with the public after having worked in the health care institutions both corporate and private for many years in finance.  The TBRV Program was added to the Client Services Team and my position was extended to them as well. The quality and quantity of service provided by the TBRV Team is amazing and I have learned a lot about the Housing Program and working with the diverse clients we serve.

GARY HENSLEY, Housing Program Director; I have worked in the HIV/AIDS field since the early 90’s.  I became involved when I had three very close friends pass away from AIDS related illnesses.  I have served on the HIV/AIDS Planning Council, The Board of Directors of Friends Alliance & the PWA Coalition.  I was honored to receive both the Life Preserver Award & Footsteps in the Sand award in 2008.  My goal in life is to be remembered as someone who strived to help as many people as possible to improve their quality of life.



The TBRV Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, political affiliation, disability, handicap or familial statuus.