[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 146 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO EDEN HOUSING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2008

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Eden 
Housing's 40th Anniversary Celebration. Eden Housing, based in Hayward, 
California, was founded in 1968 by a dedicated group of volunteers 
committed to expanding housing opportunities for disadvantaged 
communities. This group of six community activists was concerned about 
the lack of non-discriminatory, affordable housing in Alameda County.
  These pioneers, working out of makeshift ``headquarters,'' such as 
local coffee shops, were initiated into affordable housing development 
by rehabilitating six older homes in Oakland for first time homebuyers. 
Their next project was a much larger development, the 150-unit 
Josephine Lum Lodge for seniors in Hayward.
  Since those pioneering days, Eden Housing has developed 5,072 units 
of affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and people with 
disabilities. Its buildings are located in 21 cities in six Northern 
California counties.
  Although Eden Housing's initial home base for development was Alameda 
County, Eden's charter calls for the organization to work wherever 
there is a need for affordable housing in California.
  In the mid-1990s, Eden expanded the scope of affordable housing 
development to include provisions of free onsite support services and 
programs for its residents. To design and implement its resident 
support services, Eden founded an affiliate, Eden Housing Resident 
Services, Inc.
  I join the community in honoring all who have contributed to the 
success of Eden Housing. The community activists who provided the 
vision and leadership for the creation and early development of Eden 
Housing are noteworthy.
  Eden Housing continues to revitalize California communities through 
its affordable housing development and property management activities, 
through the partnerships it establishes and the investments it makes in 
California neighborhoods and through the free social services and 
supportive programs they provide to meet the needs of their residents.
  Happy 40th anniversary Eden Housing. I send you my best wishes for 
many more years of successful service.

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