[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 55 (Wednesday, May 6, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E772-E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         RECOGNITION OF THE PROVIDENCE PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 6, 1998

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Public Housing 
Authority of Providence, Rhode Island. In ten short years they have 
managed to turn around some of the most depressing public housing 
projects in the city, and create a rejuvenated community full of hope 
and promise for its residents.
  In 1986 the board of the Providence Housing Authority had to make 
some tough choices. At that time the agency was plagued by many 
problems. Housing residents complained of the poor conditions of their 
buildings. Stairs within the buildings were crumbling creating safety 
hazards. Garbage pickup had been neglected. Local banks no longer 
trusted the agency's checks. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 
Development threatened to cut off funding if the agency's problems were 
not solved.
  When President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched public housing in 1937, 
the intent was to provide temporary housing for families in financial 
straits. Screening was strict; tenants had to be employed. After World 
War II, the character of public housing gradually

[[Page E773]]

changed. Currently, a typical tenant must rely on public housing as 
permanent housing, and receives public assistance. Public housing 
projects in recent years have been plagued by a downward spiral of 
public assistance, lack of job training, and high crime rates.
  The Providence Housing Authority decided to face the problem head on. 
Existing units within the system have been modernized. Repairs have 
been undertaken ranging from complete rehabilitation to emergency 
repairs of rotting roofs. Maintenance repair orders are completed 
swiftly rather than languishing unfinished for months. Security in the 
Providence properties has improved, allowing residents to build a 
community. The agency has built up its cash reserves, improving the 
financial management of the housing authority. Perhaps most important, 
the Providence Housing Authority has introduced high caliber non-
housing services for residents, such as job training, life skills, and 
youth recreation programs. They have developed after-school programs 
for children, and self-sufficiency programs for adults.
  In recent years, the Housing Authority, which is monitored by HUD, 
has consistently received higher grades in its annual report-card-type 
ratings. Since 1991, when HUD started their rating system, the 
Providence Housing Authority has improved its scores every year. And 
recently the Housing Authority has achieved ``high performer'' status, 
by scoring 97 out of a possible 100 points.
  This turn around would not have been possible without the leadership 
and support of the eleven member Board of Directors of the Providence 
Housing Authority. These men and women, led by Stephen O'Rourke, have 
worked hard and persevered in turning around a crumbling system. I ask 
my colleagues to join with me in congratulating the Providence Housing 
Authority of a truly remarkable turnaround.

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