By: SEO Mavens

The Housing Authority of the City of High Point (HPHA) has emerged as a leading force in the ongoing effort to redefine what public housing means in North Carolina. Through deliberate programs, strategic leadership, and a human-centered approach, the organization continues to reshape its legacy, placing residents not only at the center of policy but also at the forefront of opportunity. At the heart of this transformation is Angela Jimenez, an executive whose commitment to equity and community development is deeply informed by lived experience.

Angela Jimenez: Leadership Born from Lived Experience

Angela Jimenez, CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of High Point, brings a unique perspective to her leadership role. As someone who once grew up in public housing, Angela Jimenez understands firsthand the challenges faced by families navigating complex social systems. Her experiences have shaped a leadership style centered on empathy, advocacy, and systemic change.

“Growing up in public housing taught me not just what it means to need support, but what it feels like to be overlooked,” said Angela Jimenez. “That experience drives everything I do—from how we shape policies to how we engage with residents.”

Her background and leadership philosophy have fueled a number of initiatives that go beyond housing provision, focusing instead on creating stable foundations for long-term personal and economic growth.

Housing Authority of the City of High Point: Mission and Core Services

Founded with a mission to provide safe, affordable housing and promote self-sufficiency, the Housing Authority of the City of High Point (HPHA) serves as a foundational institution in the city. With a portfolio of programs tailored to meet varying community needs, HPHA is structured to empower individuals and families to achieve independence and thrive.

Key programs offered by the HPHA include:

• Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program: Supports families in developing economic independence through employment and education.
• Section 8 Homeownership Program: Assists residents in transitioning from renting to owning a home.
• Comprehensive Housing Counseling & Homeownership Program: Offers tools like financial literacy education and credit counseling.
• Community & Supportive Services: Delivers enrichment opportunities to elderly and disabled residents.

These services reflect HPHA’s commitment to a broader understanding of community development, where housing serves as the foundation for opportunity.

Changing the Public Perception of Housing

A major priority for Angela Jimenez and the Housing Authority of the City of High Point is to challenge the outdated narrative surrounding public housing. “Too many people still think of public housing as a last resort rather than a foundation for success,” Angela Jimenez explained in a recent interview.

Efforts to counter this misconception include projects like Legacy Ridge, a development initiative that prioritizes dignity and design quality while maintaining affordability. Angela Jimenez believes that public housing should uplift residents and offer them a platform for upward mobility.

Through such projects, the Housing Authority of the City of High Point promotes the idea that housing is not just about shelter but about transformation.

Inclusive Leadership and Community Voice

One distinguishing feature of Angela Jimenez’s tenure is her emphasis on shared leadership. The Housing Authority of the City of High Point routinely holds resident town halls, collaborates with tenant councils, and includes community members in the design of public spaces and programming.

“We host regular resident town halls, partner with tenant councils, and directly involve community members in design conversations—from playgrounds to educational programs. This isn’t lip service—it’s shared leadership,” said Angela Jimenez.

This approach ensures that the policies and programs rolled out by HPHA reflect the realities and aspirations of the people they aim to serve.

Signature Initiatives: Seeds to Success

Among HPHA’s many impactful programs, the Seeds to Success initiative stands out. Designed to support youth within the public housing community, this program provides mentorship, academic support, and access to higher education pathways.

Angela Jimenez takes particular pride in this initiative. “It’s not just about youth programming—it’s about planting possibilities. I’ve watched children who once struggled with school walk across a graduation stage and enroll in college because someone at HPHA believed in them early,” she shared.

Programs like Seeds to Success highlight HPHA’s focus on long-term development rather than short-term fixes.

Balancing Compliance with Compassion

Navigating the intersection of federal housing regulations and local community needs is no easy task. Yet, Angela Jimenez has made it a point to ensure that HPHA remains both compliant and compassionate.

“We take compliance seriously, but we always ask, how does this policy affect the person in the unit? We use data to guide us, but people to ground us. Compassion and compliance aren’t mutually exclusive—they should coexist,” she emphasized.

This principle of ethical balance is embedded in HPHA’s day-to-day operations.

Developing Future Leaders

Another core value at the Housing Authority of the City of High Point is leadership development—not just within the agency, but among its residents. Angela Jimenez believes in fostering the potential of anyone willing to lead.

“I invest in leadership development at all levels—from frontline staff to resident leaders. I don’t believe in gatekeeping knowledge. If someone is ready to lead, it’s my job to make sure they have the tools, support, and trust to do so,” said Angela Jimenez.

This forward-thinking leadership model positions HPHA as a breeding ground for community-driven change.

Economic Stability Through Housing

For Angela Jimenez and the City of High Point Housing Authority, it emphasizes the critical role housing plays in local economic development. Stable housing, according to Jimenez, leads to stable communities, which in turn support broader economic activities.

“Stable housing fuels stable neighborhoods. When families can rely on safe, affordable homes, they can invest in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. We’re not just housing people—we’re stabilizing futures,” she noted.

By linking housing to education and economic development, the Housing Authority of the City of High Point reinforces its position as a community anchor.

Measuring Success Beyond Numbers

For Angela Jimenez, metrics only tell part of the story. Real success is seen in the lives that are changed.

“I measure success in smiles at ribbon cuttings, in kids running home from school safely, and in single moms who become homeowners. Numbers matter, but the stories behind those numbers matter more,” she explained.

This human-first metric ensures that HPHA’s mission remains rooted in community realities, not just compliance checklists.

A Brand That Listens

As the Housing Authority of the City of High Point continues its forward momentum, Angela Jimenez hopes that the agency is recognized for more than just its housing units.

“I hope they think: ‘That’s the agency that listens.’ That’s the place that sees people, not paperwork. That’s the woman who turned lived experience into leadership that opens doors—literally and figuratively,” said Angela Jimenez.

Through partnerships, programs, and an unwavering commitment to equity, the Housing Authority of the City of High Point—under Angela Jimenez’s leadership—is redefining the role of public housing in modern America.

To learn more about the Housing Authority of the City of High Point and its programs, visit HPHA’s website.