Houston’s Third Ward to Get $50 Million Resident-Led Transformation Thanks to HUD Grant

Grant to revitalize Cuney Homes and improve community well-being through health, education and economic opportunity

HOUSTON, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a historic achievement for Houston Third Ward, Houston Housing Authority (HHA) and the City of Houston received a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Announced at a celebratory event on July 26The grant represents the culmination of years of planning and community engagement. It is intended to fund the redevelopment of the historic downtown Cuney Houses social housing and support a neighborhood transformation plan designed by residents.

The Choice Neighborhoods grant will enable HHA to redevelop and expand Cuney Housesproviding affordable housing for more families by increasing capacity from 553 households to 1,115. This mixed-income development will prioritize existing residents while creating new opportunities for affordable homeownership and rental housing in the area. Beyond housing, the grant will improve community well-being by improving access to health care, education and employment opportunities.

“This historic event $50 million “The 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 HousesWe are 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 world. Houston for everyone.”

Revitalization efforts will focus on upgrading infrastructure, creating new community spaces, and promoting economic opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives aim to build a stronger, more inclusive neighborhood that honors its history while embracing future growth and development. The competitive process, which began in 2019, has already seen the completion of several community projects, such as the creation of a food pantry, improvements to the Columbia Tap Trail, and a basketball court renovation.

“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 dynamic transformation beginning with Cuney Houses “This project will benefit and enhance our entire city. It represents a step forward in urban renewal and demonstrates how strategic partnerships can profoundly improve communities.”

Houston Commitment to this initiative has been remarkably effective, building on an impressive $12 community partners for every dollar received from the HUD grant. This achievement far exceeds the average, where CNI grant recipients typically generate $8.65 in community contributions for every grant dollar. Through this strategic leverage, Houston successfully generated $600 million in total investment from the start $50 million HUD investment.

The reinvestment plan prioritizes the needs of current residents while improving the community as a whole. It includes the redevelopment of Cuney Houses and expanding affordable housing throughout the Third Ward, with a guaranteed right of return for all current residents. Beyond housing, the plan includes adding community amenities, green spaces, and supporting 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 involvement, so residents themselves will have an impact on the process,” said HUD’s Southwest Regional Administrator. Candace Valenzuela“This will impact the entire city and will mean jobs, mixed-income housing, economic development, services for people in need, and much more.”

The comprehensive plan, developed with broad community participation, aims to improve neighborhood safety, improve access to education and health care, and create new economic opportunities for residents. It reflects a balanced approach to community development, focused on improving living conditions and opportunities for current residents while attracting new investment to the area.

Choice Neighborhoods grant follows $9 million in recent awards received by the HHA, including:

• Services related to housing mobility: $5 million to help residents access housing opportunities in areas with better opportunities.
• Housing Interventions to End the HIV Epidemic (HINT): $2.5 million provide housing and support services to people living with HIV. HHA is the only public housing agency among the 11 national grantees of this program.
• Seniors’ Residence Modification Program: $1.25 million to improve accessibility and safety in homes for elderly residents.
• Emergency Security and Safety Grant: $250,000 from the HUD Investment Fund’s Emergency Safety and Security Program to improve security measures at public housing properties.

These additional grants further demonstrate HHA’s commitment to improving housing conditions and services for residents with diverse 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 housing and services to more than 60,000 low-income Houstonians, including more than 19,000 families housed through the Housing Choice Voucher program and 4,801 living in 23 public housing and tax credit projects. There are more than 31,000 non-federal units, of which more than 17,000 are designated affordable housing.

Website: https://housingforhouston.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/housingforhouston
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing4Houston

SOURCE Houston Housing Authority