[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 86 (Tuesday, June 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HIP HOUSING MARKS 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO SAN MATEO COUNTY

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                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2002

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to the Human Investment Project for Housing (HIP Housing) of 
San Mateo, California, on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary. For the 
past 30 years, this outstanding organization has been addressing the 
need for affordable housing.
  Founded in 1972, HIP Housing was established to create programs to 
assist the disadvantaged and disabled living within San Mateo County. 
In 1979, recognizing a lack of affordable housing in the community, HIP 
Housing developed its ``Homesharing Help and Information Program'' and 
began to focus on expanding the pool of affordable housing in the 
community. Since then, HIP Housing has made over 12,000 homesharing 
placements and today serves over 2,500 people each year, 500 of which 
are children.
  Mr. Speaker, the high cost of living in my congressional district is 
well documented. High housing prices have forced some out of their 
homes, leaving many with only expensive temporary housing options. HIP 
Housing has come to the rescue of thousands of people, finding 
permanent housing for seniors, single-parents and their children, 
persons with disabilities, the homeless and working persons.
  Fortunately, HIP Housing has long been recognized for its great work. 
In 1985, the organization received the ``Best Practices Award'' from 
the American Society on Aging; in 1990 HIP Housing was appointed the 
Northern California liaison to National Home Equity Conversion 
Counseling Task Force; the California American Institute of Architects 
awarded the organization the ``Community Assistance'' award in 1991; 
and in 1998, HIP Housing received HUD's Blue Ribbon Best Practices 
Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I would again like to emphasize just how vital HIP 
Housing has been to San Mateo County. Through its wide variety of 
housing programs and incredible generosity, HIP Housing has made a 
world of a difference for tens of thousands of people and it continues 
to do so every day.

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