Darrell Griffin is the new division chief of the Housing Services Division of the City’s Planning and Development Department.
HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN THERE?
Since December.
WHAT ARE YOUR DUTIES?
“I oversee the daily operations of housing services. Our primary service is providing decent, safe housing for low to moderate income residents through our Head Start to Homeownership program, rehab for existing homeowners and rental rehabilitation where we find investors.” The rental rehabilitation involves the funding (at a low interest rate) of acquisitions and rehabilitation of properties that are vacant or in substandard condition which are within one of the mayor’s six designated intensive care neighborhoods. For those communities outside these areas, the division funds the rehabilitation only.
WHO ARE YOU ASSISTING?
“Federal regulations require us to serve only persons of low to moderate income unless there’s a different objective like eliminating slum and blight, such as in Springfield.”
IN FOR THE LONG HAUL
Employed by the City since 1989, Griffin has held numerous positions within the department. He began as a planning technician right out of college and worked his way up to a junior human services planner position. In 1995 he switched over to the Housing Services Division as a program manager. Griffin also operates Griffin Properties, a private venture whereby he acts as a real estate investor.
WHY GO INTO THIS FIELD?
“I have a love for helping people. When I transitioned from community development to housing, an opportunity presented itself to help those who need it most — the elderly who can’t afford repairs or those that live in substandard conditions.”
WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART?
“I can see the needs of people in terms of housing and can help do something about it. Seeing the smiles on their faces gives me hope that they can live out their lives in a much more comfortable position than they were in.”
WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE OF IT?
“The volume of work. The need for decent, safe, affordable housing is so vast. When you’re dealing with a housing situation, everybody’s case is an emergency whether it’s a leaky roof or no hot water. The banks and realtors are looking to close quickly. It puts you in a position where you have to move quickly, too. It’s a challenge with a limited staff to keep up with the area’s housing needs.”
EDUCATION
Griffin graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
WHY SELECT THAT MAJOR?
“I was always fascinated with figures. Economics gave me a broader range than finance so that I would be able to apply that more in the business world.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
FAMILY
The Northside is where Griffin resides with his wife Sheriece and their three children, daughters Rayvon and Rachel and son Darrell Jr.
OUTSIDE OF THE CITY
Off the clock Griffin likes to shoot hoops, watch suspense films or follow the latest talk shows such as “Oprah” or “Montel.” A family man, Griffin is president of the Parent Teacher Association at his children’s school, Rufus E. Payne Elementary. He also enjoys family vacations and church activities.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“Martin Luther King for the things he tried to do for his people — not just for his race but for people in general. I’m a proponent of helping people. Those I try to emulate are public servants who try to improve people’s daily lives.”
— by Monica Chamness