Deanna Tartaglia Fills Vacancy on Ferndale Housing Commission

(Crystal A. Proxmire,  March 27, 2017)

Ferndale, MI – “It’s time to lean in girl.”

That’s what Ferndale resident Deanna Tartaglia told herself after being one of hundreds of Ferndale women who participated in marches and demonstrations following the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

“I felt moved back in January when I went to DC and participated in the Women’s March,” Tartaglia said.  “Women are underrepresented in most traditional governments not this one, Ferndale is special.  I felt a call to contribute to my immediate community.”

She thought about where she might best be able to make a difference, and filling the vacancy on the Ferndale Housing Commission seemed a natural fit.

On her application for the board, Tartaglia wrote “I have a Limited License Bachelor of Social Work, and I also hold a QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Provider). I primarily work with folks who live with developmental disabilities at MORC (Macomb Oakland Regional Center). In the first few years of my career, I worked for Community Housing Network as a Leasing Specialist for folks who qualified for Section 8 grant-based vouchers, was a member of the Macomb Homeless Coalition while working for Disability Network, and worked as a Case Manager for Neighborhood Service Organization’s Homeless Recovery Services in Detroit. I am familiar with most services and resources for homeless folks in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. I can offer perspective and experience when it comes to supporting and providing resources for the homeless population in our city. I am kind, open, non-judgmental and willing to help anyone who asks for it.”

Ferndale City Council unanimously approved her application at the March 13 council meeting.

Tartaglia fills the last vacancy after a changing of the board and administration that began in 2014 when the former Housing Director Deb Wilson was arrested for entering residents’ apartments and swapping their prescription medication for over the counter pills.  Her arrest prompted an investigation by HUD which uncovered a long list of violations and improprieties.

With a new Director in place and clean-up well under way, Tartaglia joins Ann Heler, Melissa DaSilva, Jennifer Bentley and resident member Carole Morency on the board.

“I am looking forward to meeting the residents and doing what I can to serve,” Tartaglia said.

For more on the Ferndale Housing Commission check out their website at http://ferndalehousing.com/.