The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) partnered with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for two new affordable housing programs in Houston. The programs, backed by $6.25 million in funding, were unveiled at a press conference on June 25.
“These programs will significantly expand our ability to support those in need,” David A. Northern Sr., president and CEO of HHA, said in a press release. “One program provides mobility-related services to enrolled families, enhancing their housing choices and access to high-opportunity areas. The other assists low-income seniors by making essential home modifications, facilitating safer and more accessible living environments.”
The first program, the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Program, will provide support to families with Housing Choice Vouchers while expanding their housing options throughout Houston, addressing barriers to housing like security deposits, search time, and landlord acceptance rates while helping families move into areas with less crime and better schools. Meanwhile, the Older Adult Home Modification Program will provide safety and accessibility modifications to housing available to low-income seniors, allowing them to age in place.
“With these groundbreaking programs, we are tackling the affordable housing crisis head-on,” said Candace Valenzuela, regional administrator for HUD. “Here, HUD is supporting Houston’s efforts with over $6 million in grant funds. Houston’s leadership in adopting these initiatives underscores a dedicated effort to reduce housing disparities and provide critical support to both families and seniors in need.”
“Launching the Older Adult Home Modification Program and the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Services Program in Houston enables HHA to make more critical investments in the future of our city,” added Jody Proler, chair of the HHA Board of Commissioners. “These programs not only enable HHA to extend its services and resources to more Houstonians, they also align with our charge to provide more equitable and accessible affordable housing options for a promising future.”