Shaler S. Roberts, III has served as Executive Director of Florence Housing Authority since October 1, 1990. From June 1989 until this time, he served as Deputy Director. Roberts' responsibilities as Executive Director include overseeing the leasing, maintenance and modernization of 664 Public Housing Apartments; overseeing 677 Housing Vouchers and reviewing and implementing HUD regulations and procedures; preparing million dollar plus budgets and handling all procurement; drafting legal documents and handling evictions and collections; writing grants; engaging in long-range planning; overseeing expenditures of more than $8 million dollars annually; supervising 28 administrative and maintenance personnel; and interacting with the public on a constant basis.

"The Authority provides part of the social safety net, which helps people who cannot help themselves," Roberts said. "Coupled with the providing of affordable housing, the Authority offers programs for all ages to raise their self-esteem, further their education, provide fellowship or find employment. For the elderly residents, we provide a safe, comfortable place to live for their golden years. These residents are on a fixed income and are very concerned about how they can afford all the necessities of life. We reduce the anxiety level by offering low-cost, quality housing and services aimed exclusively at our senior residents."

Authority changes are a continual process and Roberts has seen many in his tenure as Executive Director. The main changes include: renovation of apartments, reduction of criminal activity and the improvement of the Authority's staff. "We have had an extensive long-range plan to bring all apartments up to current standards. We have systematically done so and will continue to do so through the Comprehensive Grant Program. We have spent in excess of $8 million dollars on apartment renovation since I became Executive Director. We contracted with the City of Florence for four full-time Community Police
     
Officers who patrol only the Authority's properties. This has greatly reduced our crime. Also, we instituted a rigorous resident screening process, which keeps the criminals out to begin with. We check local and nationwide criminal records and credit reports. The staff of the Authority is very experienced, intelligent, committed and willing to do their job. I have worked to release them from any restrictions that prevent them from making decisions or taking necessary actions in their departments. This has made their jobs more enjoyable and has allowed me to have the time to work in areas such as program development, grant writing and non-profit creation. The Authority is successful because of its staff."

Roberts' future goals for the Authority include finishing complete renovation of all apartments and grounds, providing extensive training opportunities for the staff, remaining a vital resource for the City of Florence, looking for opportunities to expand the Authority's programs for its residents and enhancing currently offered programs.

"Serving as Executive Director has been a very positive, life changing and humbling experience. I have learned a tremendous amount about housing operation, financial management, budget preparation, contract administration and human resources. The main variable on whether I would enjoy my job and be successful as Executive Director was acceptance by the Authority staff. They gave me a chance and so far so good. The interaction with residents also helped me keep my priorities in line and constantly reminds me of why the Authority exists and why it is needed for the betterment of our City."

Roberts is married to the former Pamela McGee of Florence. They have one son, Shaler S. Roberts, IV and one daughter, Ruth Presley Roberts.

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