CitizensNet Banner

February 11, 2008

CitizensNet Newsletter for Specific Houston Hope Neighborhoods
Independence Heights
.
.

Dear Independence Heights Residents:

We are proud to bring you the February 2008 monthly update on Houston Hope, through which ­­­45 families have now been able to buy 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 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.

Currently, the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) has purchased 861 properties citywide, with 77 of these in the Independence Heights .

INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS

Historical fact: In 1915, Independence Heights incorporated into a City, becoming the first incorporated city in Texas with all black officials. At that time, there were about four hundred residents. City Hall was located in a "shotgun" house at 701 E. 34 th . City improvements included the shell paving of streets, plank sidewalks, and installation of a municipal water system. The city passed a bond for $20,000 to provide these basic city services.

Community News

Catholic Charities will begin construction of three affordable homes by the end of 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 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.