MAYOR WHITE INSPECTS THE FIRST HOME TO BE BUILT UNDER HIS HOUSTON HOPE INITIATIVE
January 20, 2007 -- Mayor Bill White and community leaders celebrate the opening of the first Houston Hope model home. This home, located in the Acres Home Subdivision at 6820 Wheatley Street is the first of 150 proposed for the first phase of development of Houston Hope neighborhoods that include: Acres Homes, Sunnyside, Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Settegast, Magnolia and Trinity Gardens.
The goal of Houston Hope is to build strong neighborhoods with affordable housing that meet the needs of their current residents and are attractive to new and returning families.
The City of Houston is working closely with experienced community development corporations with a proven track record of neighborhood involvement and of successfully building homes. Eligible homebuyers can receive up to $30,000 in down payment assistance through the City's Housing Assistance Program. This program allows them to invest in their futures by building equity in their homes and community.
"Families make our city strong. The thousands of delinquent properties in Houston rob families of a great opportunity to live their dream of home ownership in some of Houston's historic neighborhoods. So, we are giving families the opportunity to bring back to life property that has gone unclaimed and has been tax delinquent for many years," said Mayor White. "Project Houston Hope gives new generations of Houstonians real opportunity."
The lots are made available to builders through the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA). The Mayor's Houston Hope initiative has worked closely with community leaders to respect the integrity of neighborhoods and respect property rights in the effort to revitalize those tracts that have been neglected for many years. Builders and CDCs are selected through a request for proposals process.
Interested homebuyers must complete homebuyer education through a certified counseling agency. To find an agency near them, call 713-522-HOME or go to www.houstonhousing.org.
