Grant to Revitalize Cuney Homes & Enhance
Community Well-being Through Health, Education & Economic
Opportunities
HOUSTON, July 29,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark achievement for
Houston's Third Ward, the Houston
Housing Authority (HHA) and the City of
Houston have been awarded a $50
million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Announced
during a celebratory event on July
26, the grant represents the culmination of years of
planning and community engagement. It is intended to fund
the redevelopment of the historic Cuney Homes public housing property and support
a resident-designed neighborhood transformation plan.
The Choice Neighborhoods grant will enable HHA to redevelop
and expand Cuney Homes, providing
affordable housing for more families by increasing capacity from
serving 553 households to 1,115. This mixed-income development will
prioritize current residents while creating new opportunities for
affordable homeownership and rental housing in the area. Beyond
housing, the grant will enhance community well-being by improving
access to healthcare, education and job opportunities.
"This historic $50 million
investment in the Third Ward is a testament to the power of
community and collaboration," said David A.
Northern Sr., President and CEO of HHA. "By reimagining
Cuney Homes, we're setting the stage
for a remarkable story of urban renewal – one where quality housing
drives economic growth, educational achievement, and improved
health outcomes. This is how we build a more equitable and
prosperous Houston for all."
The revitalization efforts will focus on upgrading
infrastructure, creating new community spaces, and fostering
economic opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives are
designed to build a stronger, more inclusive neighborhood that
honors its history while welcoming future growth and development.
The competitive process, which started in 2019, has already seen
the completion of several community-driven projects, such as the
establishment of a food pantry, enhancements to the Columbia Tap
Trail and the renovation of a basketball court.
"This initiative highlights the power of federal and local
collaboration," said Houston Mayor
John Whitmire. "With a substantial
$50 million investment in the Third
Ward, Houstonians will witness a vibrant transformation starting
with Cuney Homes that will benefit
and enhance our entire city. This project represents a step forward
in urban renewal and showcases how strategic partnerships can
profoundly uplift communities."
Houston's commitment to this
initiative has been remarkably effective, leveraging an impressive
$12 from community partners for every
dollar received from the HUD grant. This achievement significantly
surpasses the average, where CNI grant recipients typically
generate $8.65 in community
contributions for each grant dollar. Thanks to this strategic
leveraging, Houston has
successfully generated $600 million
in total investment from the initial $50
million HUD investment.
The reinvestment plan prioritizes the needs of current residents
while improving the overall community. It includes the
redevelopment of Cuney Homes and
expansion of affordable housing throughout the Third Ward, with a
guaranteed right of return for all current residents. Beyond
housing, the plan encompasses the addition of community amenities,
green spaces, and support for local businesses. Comprehensive
support services will also be provided to help residents increase
their income and economic stability.
"Choice Neighborhoods is a special grant and requires community
participation, so residents themselves will impact the process,"
said HUD Southwest Regional Administrator Candace Valenzuela. "This will impact the entire
city and means jobs, mixed income housing, economic development,
services for those in need, and more."
The comprehensive plan, developed with extensive community
input, is designed to enhance neighborhood safety, improve access
to education and healthcare, and create new economic opportunities
for residents. It reflects a balanced approach to community
development, focusing on improving living conditions and
opportunities for current residents while attracting new investment
to the area.
The Choice Neighborhoods Grant follows $9
million in recent awards received by the HHA, which
include:
- Housing Mobility Related Services: $5 million to support residents in accessing
housing opportunities in areas of higher opportunity.
- Housing Interventions to End the HIV Epidemic (HINT):
$2.5 million to provide housing and
supportive services for individuals living with HIV. HHA is the
only public housing agency among 11 nationwide grantees for this
program.
- Older Adult Home Modification Program: $1.25 million to improve accessibility and safety
in homes of older residents.
- Emergency Safety and Security Grant: $250,000 from the HUD Capital Fund Emergency
Safety and Security Program to enhance safety measures in public
housing properties.
These additional grants further demonstrate HHA's commitment to
improving housing conditions and services for residents across
various needs and demographics.
For more information about the Houston Housing Authority and its
programs, visit housingforhouston.com.
ABOUT HHA
The Houston Housing Authority provides
affordable homes and services to more than 60,000 low-income
Houstonians, including over 19,000 families housed through the
Housing Choice Voucher Program and 4,801 living in 23 public
housing and tax credit developments. There are over 31,000
non-federal units, with over 17,000 of those units designated for
affordable housing.
Website: https://housingforhouston.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/housingforhouston
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing4Houston
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SOURCE The Houston Housing Authority