CitizensNet Banner

August 10, 2007

CitizensNet Newsletter for Specific Houston Hope Neighborhoods
Independence Heights
.
.

Dear Houston Hope Community Residents,

We are proud to bring you the August 2007 monthly update on Houston Hope. Houston Hope is Mayor Bill White's initiative to reinvest in several of Houston 's older 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 a participant of the Houston Hope 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 725 properties citywide with 69 of these in the Fifth Ward area.

INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS

Historical fact: After World War I, Independence Heights was the first African American town incorporated in Texas , a town with a disappearing history. It was consolidated with Houston in 1929 and remains a predominately African American neighborhood.

Catholic Charities, Inc. will begin construction of 3 model homes this month.

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.

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.