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'Reverend' Helping Change Public Housing Perceptions

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

"I was looking for a new direction, a way to help," Hersey Jackson says. "Our direction now is just lead people to a greater life in Christ and themselves."

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By JOHN W. ALLMAN

jallman@tampatrib.com

Published: November 27, 2008

TAMPA - People gravitate to Hersey Jackson.

Some shake his hand. Others hug his neck. All address him with respect: "Reverend" or "Pastor."

They praise his wife Earnestine's cooking and share stories about events that the couple has organized: Easter dinners and egg hunts, youth activity fairs, weekly meals and football-watching parties.

Jackson, 52, is like a rock star walking the grounds at The Arbors at Rubin Padgett Estates, a 119-unit Tampa Housing Authority property in South Tampa. People come out of their apartments to say hello.

Only he's not a rock star. He's a resident. And since 2004, he has helped redefine what it means to live on a fixed-income in public, subsidized housing.

"We're trying to change the way people think," says the retired Pentecostal pastor from Chicago.

Last week, Jackson was appointed by Mayor Pam Iorio to fill the vacant spot on the housing authority's board. He replaces Karen Peoples, a longtime housing resident evicted in September by the authority for violating federal housing guidelines and not paying her rent. His first meeting will be Dec. 17.

Jackson moved to Florida in 1999 after 15 years presiding over the Faith of Truth Holiness Church in Phoenix. Retired, and living on limited means, he and his wife chose public housing when the economy soured.

"I was looking for a new direction, a way to help," Jackson said. "Our direction now is just lead people to a greater life in Christ and themselves."

Since moving to The Arbors, Jackson has organized a weekly Sunday prayer and fellowship meeting. As president of The Arbors resident council, he organizes events and regularly asks professionals, such as insurance providers, to come speak to residents about issues that affect their lives.

He recently applied for a grant to refurbish The Arbor's community center. It now has new tables and chairs, five computers for all to use and a wide-screen television. He keeps a refrigerator stocked with sodas, regular and diet.

Jackson said he wants to be a positive voice for residents, and not just at The Arbors.

"I'm going to visit more of the other properties so I know what's going on there," he said. "If I know, then I can address those concerns."

Reporter John W. Allman can be reached at (813) 259-7915.

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