CitizensNet Banner

August 12, 2008

CitizensNet Newsletter for Specific Houston Hope Neighborhoods
.
.

Dear Independence Heights Residents:

Homeownership provides a sense of security to families and promotes strong neighborhoods. So, we are proud to announce that as of August 2008, Houston Hope has helped 103 families to purchase quality affordable homes in re-energized areas of the city.  Houston Hope is Mayor Bill White 's initiative to reinvest in several of Houston 's historic neighborhoods through a combination of stabilizing activities such as coordination of public safety programs, rehabbing existing homes, providing quality new affordable homes, and improving infrastructure and drainage. As participants in this initiative, qualified buyers in the targeted areas may receive up to $30,000 in down payment assistance.

Currently, the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) has purchased 955 properties citywide, with 85 of these in the Independence Heights area.

Success Story

Mark and Stephanie Square , a young couple with three small children, knew exactly where they wanted to live. Stephanie , a first year teacher at Jack Yates High School , dreamed about a house with a yard where her children could play. On the other hand, Mark , a student at Texas Southern University, wanted a house in an area close to schools and major employment centers where he could help the next generation of kids gain access to the opportunities he had. Fortunately, they both found what they were looking for in Houston Hope!

If you're interested in the Independence Heights area, please contact:

Catholic Charities: 713-874-6736 or bkol@catholiccharities.org

If you would like to learn more about Houston Hope, please call 713.522.HOME or visit www.houstonhopehomes.org. If you are a builder and would like to partner with a HUD Certified Community Development Corporation to build in any of the targeted Houston Hope Neighborhood, please go to www.houstontx.gov/lara.