Winston-Salem's public housing program celebrates rebrand as residents rally for better living conditions

Winston-Salem's housing authority celebrated its rebrand Tuesday as it looks to mark a new era, but the festivities came as residents nearby called for better living conditions.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the organization's renaming as Aspire, which stands for accountability, service, perseverance, integrity, respect and enthusiasm. It was also a celebration for its newly renovated office on Cleveland Avenue.

The change comes as officials look to move away from what they say is a negative stigma attached to the name housing authority.

But as individuals like Aspire Board Chair Andrew Perkins were speaking, the sound of advocates and tenants nearby began drowning them out. 

Residents have long been vocal about the conditions of public housing in Winston-Salem, pointing to mold and bed bugs as major concerns.

Housing Justice Now organizer Dan Rose was among the advocates near the ceremony. He said tenants just want an organization that truly represents them and focuses on their needs.

"They can try to hide and change their identity all they want," Rose said. "Folks know that the Housing Authority has been underserving residents here for decades."

Outgoing Executive Director Kevin Cheshire said he believes some advocates want to instigate division, as Aspire has spent millions in the last five years to renovate its public housing.

"We have an aging portfolio, as everyone across the country does, and so we're trying to fix things that have been occurring over a period of 70 years, and you can't do it overnight," he said.

Cheshire said some of these improvements include new lobbies, repairs to elevators and computer access in Crystal Towers.

The organization's next Board of Commissioners meeting is July 8.