[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF PEOPLE'S SELF-HELP HOUSING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 1998

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
organization that has provided countless Central Coast families with 
hope and a home, People's Self-Help Housing.
  People's Self-Help Housing is being honored today by the Fannie Mae 
Foundation for sustained excellence in their work. It is an award of 
recognition that is justly deserved.
  Through the efforts of the good and hardworking individuals at 
People's Self-Help, more Central Coast families live in places they 
want to call home. I extend to them my sincerest thanks for their years 
of dedication, and congratulations for achieving this well deserved 
commendation for the Fannie Mae Foundation.
  People's Self-Help Housing has been providing housing for low income 
families for more than 25 years. They have produced over 1400 units for 
low income seniors, families, farmworkers, and other special needs 
groups. Expanding beyond their original ``sweat equity'' program, 
People's Self-Help now handles affordable rental units, property 
management and complete construction services. They provide well 
managed properties and ensure that much needed health and education 
services are available to residents of these communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I have known the head of this wonderful organization, 
Jeannette Duncan, for years and I have seen firsthand the fantastic 
work that this group does. People's Self-Help helps to fill a glaring 
need in our bucolic seaside and inland rural communities. Housing is 
expensive on the Central Coast and finding clean, affordable, quality 
homes and apartments can be a real struggle for people of limited means 
or extraordinary needs.
  Among their many accomplishments, People's Self-Help has provided 
farmworkers with national award-winning townhouses in Santa Maria, 
updated the Victoria Street apartments in downtown Santa Barbara, and 
provided apartments for seniors in Templeton. Through their creativity 
and persistence, the Central Coast has filled communities where low and 
moderate income families find an opportunity to participate in the 
American dream.
  They have done these things by working with developers, banks, local, 
state and Federal officials. But most of all, they have done this by 
thinking first and foremost of the communities they serve and the 
people who so often are forgotten in our society.
  This is an example of public-private partnership that works, 
providing services to communities that need them and opening the doors 
of opportunity to all.
  I commend Jeannette and everyone at People's Self-Help for their 
years of service and success, and in the recognition that is being 
bestowed upon them today.

                          ____________________