By Buck Adams

Green Hills Apartments, located in Knoxville, TN is 195-unit family property that receives project-based Section 8 rental assistance under a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract.  The property was initially occupied in 1982 and unfortunately has been the scene of numerous drug-related and other criminal activities.  One bright spot has been the Green Hills Learning Center that has been in continuous operation since 1997.  The annual Spring Fling was started as a way to highlight the learning center and demonstrate how it has enriched the lives of hundreds of residents over the past 15 years.  The learning center offers a safe environment conducive to learning.  Kimberly Fowler the center Coordinator has been successful in applying for and receiving several grants.  HUD donated 6 laptops, 5 desktops and a laser printer to replace outdated and malfunctioning equipment in 2011. 

The Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC) Bluegrass Ensemble, Hardin Valley Thunder, performed at Green Hills Apartments to help celebrate the community's Spring Fling. In addition to the Bluegrass band, attendees were entertained by over a dozen pre-teens who performed a synchronized "stepping" dance on a stage constructed by maintenance staff at the property.  There was plenty of food and drink for all. 

During the event, it was announced that 2 (two) young residents, 3rd grader Alexis Watson, and 11th grader Shadia Prater, of Green Hills were awarded 1^st Place their respective age categories in the

statewide Drug-Free Kids Poster/Art Contest. The contest, which started over 25 years ago, is designed to involve children, from kindergarten through high school, in a joint effort to educate the nation’s youth on the dangers of substance abuse. With the support of HUD and its Neighborhood Networks initiative along with Rural Housing Services, the scope of the competition has increased dramatically.  It is sponsored by the National Affordable Housing Association (NAHMA) and at the regional/state level, by the Southeastern Affordable Housing Association (SAHMA).  These young ladies will be special guests at the statewide SAHMA Conference to be held in Murfreesboro May 24 -25 where each will be awarded  a $100 cash prize.  The girls were able to use resources at the learning center to complement their artistic works.

For more information about the Neighborhood Networks Initiative in Tennessee contact:

Thomas B. (Buck) Adams
Knoxville Multifamily Program Center
John J. Duncan Federal Building
710 Locust Street SW, Suite 300
Knoxville, TN 37228-1803
Phone: 865-474-8259

For more information about the Green Hills Learning center contact:

Kimberly Fowler
Green Hills Learning Center
1928 Natchez Avenue, #1800
Knoxville, TN 37915
Phone: 865-523-1688