New initiatives expand services to reach more
families and seniors, addressing needs with additional
resources
HOUSTON, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For an 83-year-old
grandmother, a simple bathroom renovation means she can now shower
safely without fear of falling. Across town, a young family is
preparing to move to a neighborhood with better schools, a dream
they never thought possible. These life-changing moments are
becoming reality for many Houstonians, thanks to two new programs
launched by the Houston Housing Authority (HHA), in partnership
with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). With
$6.25 million in funding, these
initiatives are redefining what affordable housing means for
vulnerable residents.
The Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Services Program offers
comprehensive support to families with Housing Choice Vouchers to
expand their housing and neighborhood options, while the Older
Adult Home Modification Program provides essential safety and
accessibility modifications, enabling low-income seniors to safely
age in place.
"These programs will significantly expand our ability to support
those in need," said David A. Northern
Sr., President and CEO of HHA. "One program provides
mobility-related services to enrolled families, enhancing their
housing choices and access to high-opportunity areas. The other
assists low-income seniors by making essential home modifications,
facilitating safer and more accessible living environments."
The Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Services Program addresses
barriers like security deposits, housing search time, and landlord
acceptance to increase access to desirable areas for voucher
holders, helping families move into neighborhoods with better
schools, lower crime rates, and more opportunities.
The Older Adult Home Modification Program is designed to help
seniors stay in their own homes instead of moving to nursing homes
or other assisted care facilities. By making modifications that
enhance safety, improve accessibility, and boost functional
abilities, the program reduces the risk of falls and supports older
adults in living independently.
"With these groundbreaking programs, we are tackling the
affordable housing crisis head-on," said Candace Valenzuela, Regional Administrator for
HUD. "Here, HUD is supporting Houston's efforts with over $6 million in grant funds. Houston's leadership in adopting these
initiatives underscores a dedicated effort to reduce housing
disparities and provide critical support to both families and
seniors in need."
"Launching the Older Adult Home Modification Program and the
Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Services Program in Houston enables HHA to make more critical
investments in the future of our city," said Jody Proler, Chair, HHA Board of Commissioners.
"These programs not only enable HHA to extend its services and
resources to more Houstonians, they also align with our charge to
provide more equitable and accessible affordable housing options
for a promising future."
For more information on the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility
Services Program and the Older Adult Home Modification Program,
please contact HHAmobility@housingforhouston.com and
OAHMP@housingforhouston.com.
ABOUT HHA
The Houston Housing Authority provides
affordable homes and services to more than 60,000 low-income
Houstonians, including over 17,000 families housed through the
Housing Choice Voucher Program, 4,200 living in 19 public housing
and tax credit developments, and an additional 1251 units in
project-based voucher developments around the city.
HHA Media Contact: Elisa
Rochford at elisa@etchedcomm.com
Website: https://housingforhouston.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/housingforhouston
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Housing4Houston
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SOURCE The Houston Housing Authority