Houston Housing Authority receives more than $6 million from HUD for affordable, senior housing initiatives – Houston Public Media

With more than $6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) is launching new initiatives to increase affordable housing options for Housing Choice voucher recipients and to enable older people to make safety improvements. at their home.

The Housing Choice Voucher mobility services program is funded by a $5 million grant. The goal is to increase the number of affordable options for people who rely on housing vouchers. According to David Northern, HHA president and CEO, the initiative will help families move to “areas with better schools, healthier food, better transportation and more jobs.”

“It just fits in with some of our goals with the Housing Authority to help people overcome barriers and move them up the self-sufficiency spectrum,” Northern said.

HHA also received a $1.25 million grant to help seniors remain in their homes for long-term independence, rather than relying on nursing homes or assisted living facilities. The Seniors Home Modification Program provides funding for home improvements, such as installing wheelchair ramps.

“This grant allows us to intervene to help repair the problems of an elderly person who is currently living in their home,” Northern explains. “If you’ve lived in a house for 20 years or so, you live in a community, you have neighbors that you like, that’s your foundation. The fact that we can step in and allow older people to stay in their homes helps them mentally, physically and emotionally, but also socially. We don’t want people to lose their homes. »

Candace Valenzuela, HUD regional administrator, said in a news release that the programs “tackle the affordable housing crisis head-on.”

“Here, HUD is supporting Houston’s efforts with more than $6 million in grants,” Valenzuela said. “Houston’s leadership in adopting these initiatives highlights a dedicated effort to reduce housing disparities and provide critical support to families and seniors in need.”

Houston residents can apply for the Voucher Mobility program by emailing [email protected], and seniors can inquire about the Home Modification program by contacting [email protected].