MAYOR BILL WHITE AND HOUSTON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO "RAISE THE WALLS" IN SETTEGAST
November 9, 2007 -- Mayor Bill White, community residents and city officials are volunteering on Saturday, November 10, 2007, with Houston Habitat for Humanity to "raise the walls" on two new homes in the Settagast neighborhood. Construction on the two homes will begin at 8:30 a.m. on lots that at one time were vacant and tax delinquent.
"This is the kind of progress we are making in some of the city's most neglected neighborhoods and our sweat equity makes it even better," said Mayor White.
Settegast, located just outside Loop 610 in north Houston, is one of several communities designated as Houston Hope areas, an initiative by the City to reinvest in some of Houston's historic neighborhoods. Through Houston Hope, the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) is working with experienced builders and community development corporations to build new affordable homes. The City has spent $16 million improving the infrastructure in these neighborhoods.
Houston Habitat for Humanity is building 34 single-family homes in Settegast. Construction has begun on all 34 lots, with completion expected on 20 homes before the end of the year. Income-eligible families may receive up to $30,000 in down-payment assistance and closing cost assistance from the City of Houston Homebuyers Assistance Program (www.houstontx.gov/houstonhope).
"With one in 10 hardworking Houstonians living in substandard conditions, it's essential for Houston Habitat for Humanity to partner with the City and other organizations to more effectively tackle the problem," said Algenita Scott Davis, executive director of Houston Habitat. "The project in Settegast is emblematic of the success we can achieve when we all work together.
The location of this worthwhile project is 5317 Haight Street (Key Map 455P). Construction will begin at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers are asked to please come prepared to work bringing tools and by wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. To sign up or receive more information , see www.houstonhabitat.org.
