City Celebrates National Community Development Week
April 26. 2011 -- The City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) is hosting several events this week to celebrate National Community Development Week.
Every year, Houston receives more than $35 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, as well as millions of dollars from other Federal funding sources to stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods across the City. These funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and support an array of vital activities and projects benefiting thousands of Houstonians. Activities include the development of community centers, health clinics, schools, parks and multi‐family housing, as well as providing home repairs for the elderly and down payment assistance to help families achieve the American dream. In addition, funding is used to provide crucial social services to countless community organizations serving the homeless, at‐risk youth, seniors and persons with disabilities.
This week celebrates community development accomplishments throughout the United States. However, HCD is also using this week to recommit itself to the goal of improving lives of Houstonians and the health of our neighborhoods.
“Housing is just one important element of community development,” states Jim Noteware, Director of HCD. “It’s a complex issue requiring a comprehensive, collaborative approach to everything from crime reduction and education, to healthcare and economic development.”
In addition to a presentation of a City proclamation by Mayor Annise Parker, Community Development Week events include:
| Tuesday, March 26 | Community Development Week Lunch Forum Garden Center at Hermann Park, (1500 Hermann Drive), 11:30am – 1pm HCD is hosting a lunch forum for over 100 community leaders and stakeholders on the role of public education in community development. The forum features Michael Feinberg, Co‐ Founder and Superintendent of KIPP Academy and Chris Barbic, Founder and CEO of YES Prep public schools. |
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| Thursday, March 28 | Grand Opening Celebration – The Orchard at Garden Oaks 880 W. 34th Street, 10:30 – 11:30am The Orchard at Garden Oaks is a 118‐unit affordable, senior, independent living complex located in the underserved Garden Oaks/Independence Heights area. HCD provided $3.5 million in financing, along with capitol by various other public and private partners. Developed by Orchard Communities, a local non‐ profit, the complex is designed with craftsman‐style architecture and features a hair salon, library, walking track, dog park, rose garden, emergency power generator system, etc. |
