Ernest Richardson Email and Phone Number

Home-based private consulting business. Provide consulting services to Housing Authorities, City governments, County governments, and Nonprofits by preparing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental surveys and environmental assessments which are required when these agencies apply for and/or spend Federal funding.

Ran Housing Rehabilitation Program which consisted of providing loans and grant to private property owners in low income neighborhoods and provided funding for capital improvement projects, i.e. curbs, gutters, sidewalks and street lights in these target areas as well. Also, completed environmental reviews and assessments when required prior to funding nonprofits.

Administered the Public Housing Authority programs which consisted of planning, organizing, coordinating, evaluating and following up to ensure compliance with all Federal, HUD, and State requirements for a program of 638 public housing units, 350 existing Section 8 units, 133 moderate Section 8 units, 67 scattered site units and 101 Housing Vouchers. Also, organized, consolidated, and administered the Personnel Office for 48 full-time and part-time employees of the agency..

Planned, directed, organized and coordinated all Neighborhood Services' Housing Rehabilitation programs, which included Community Development Block Grant funded programs ($1,179,000 budget), Urban Development Action Grant Program ($1 million - $4 million with leveraging with a local bank), Section 312 Loan Program ($200,000 last allocation), Urban Homesteading Program, landsteading Program, multifamily Rehabilitation and Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program and Rental Housing Rehabilitation Program. Supervised a staff of 15 (13 professionals and 2 secretarial/clerical), prepared program budgets and program applications, conducted public meetings and public hearings, reported progress of programs to superiors and city council, planned for staffing, organized work for most efficient operation, prepared performance evaluations, coordinated with peers, developed contacts with investors and lending institutions and assisted with staff training as well as designed rehabilitation programs and underwrote Section 312 Loan and Deferred Payment Loans.

Directed, planned, organized, and coordinated the activities of the CDBG Program. Aided in the development of Neighborhood resident organizations. Encouraged resident participation in program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Promoted media coverage, organized public meetings, and prepared budgets. Counseled residents on alternative methods of financing home improvements, general household management and consumer economics. Conducted staff meetings and planned for staffing. Organized , advertised and assisted with more difficult aspects of work. Reported to Plans and Programs Manager on progress of work. Reviewed plans and reports, directed, established and maintained files. Prepared funding applications. Supervised 13 subordinates (11 professionals - 2 secretarial/clerical).

Administered Housing Rehabilitation Rebate Program. Acquired and verified housing data. Processed loan applications and made recommendations for approval or disapproval. Supervised 5 subordinate employees. Prepared budgets, submitted reports, and evaluated status of houses. Prepared proposals for funding. Counseled homeowners on the need to correct unsafe housing conditions and arranged for financing of home remodeling work. Accounted for funds. Attended and conducted staff meetings. Coordinated with social service agencies on challenges related to their functions. Prepared complaints for legal action and conducted loan closings. Developed performance manuals for contractors, conducted contractor pre-construction conferences and requested progress payout to contractors. Acted as liaison between Division Chief and Legal Division, Data Process Division and the Copy Center..

Received and verified housing data and processed loan applications. Coordinated with homeowners to follow-up on duties pertaining to acquistion of property. Administered housing rehabilitation grant program. Relocated homeowners from substandard housing. Acquired substandard properties. Initiated drawdown of federal funds, prepared budgets, submitted reports, and accounted for funds. Attended public hearings and City Council meetings. Coordinated with Community Development Commission. Advised homeowners of their rights in acquisition and relocation cases. Inspected completed housing rehabilitation work. Administered a housing demolition program for substandard houses. Performed duties as Acting Director of Community Development Division.

Administered county-wide, not-for-profit, manpower training, job placement and job follow-up private training program. Prepared budgets and proposals for federal funding. Performed community relations work. Established personnel records system, reviewed job applications and resumes. Recruited, hired and interviewed, and dismissed both professional and nonprofessional employees. Attended bi-monthly board meetings. Performed new employee orientation duties. Delivered speeches at churches, service clubs, and to employers, on program goals and accomplishments in an effort to raise funds. Arranged for free eye and ear exams for trainees. Prepared income taxes (for free) for trainees. Conducted staff meetings. Supervised 15 full-time employees. Developed a Brotherhood and Work Scholarship fund for the benefit of trainees. Planned for and initiated a move to a building ten times the size of the former one we were housed in. Received approval, by Veterans Administration, for training program to be available for veterans to receive VA benefits when attending program.

Supervised pre-vocational and vocational training programs. Recruited, interviewed and hired teachers/instructors. Taught basic English, mathematics, rapid reading, and consumer education classes. Prepared course outlines, lesson plans, and curriculum outlines. Prepared and administered tests. Prepared budgets and reports. Ordered school supplies, arranged for student transportation, attended meetings, participated in graduation exercises and scheduled GED testing. Interpreted GED scoring and explained the results to trainees taking the tests. Counseled trainees on career possibilities and responsibilities. Scheduled classes and classrooms.