[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE CALIFORNIA REINVESTMENT COALITION AND ITS 
                   HONORING OF FOUR COMMUNITY HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2008

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, on October 2, 2008, the California 
Reinvestment Coalition, an organization that works to bring financial 
and housing services to low-income communities, will be honoring four 
community heroes for their efforts in making homeownership and 
financial independence a reality for many of Sacramento's residents. 
These heroes are: Elaine Abelaye of Asian Resources Inc., Ken Cross of 
Sacramento Habitat for Humanity, Mike Himes of NeighborWorks 
Sacramento, and Ron Javor of the California Department of Housing and 
Community Development. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring 
these distinguished individuals.
  Elaine Abelaye has demonstrated true leadership and commitment to the 
social, community and economic development needs of low-income 
individuals and families in Sacramento. Her leadership has led to the 
development of the Dare to Dream Entrepreneurship Development and 
Financial Literacy Education programs for the local Hmong and 
Vietnamese communities. Elaine has shown true dedication to providing 
multiple services needed in the Sacramento area. She has truly 
empowered community members to become a vital part of our changing and 
diverse society.
  Ken Cross has substantially increased production of housing for very 
low-income households in Sacramento. Under Ken's leadership, Sacramento 
Habitat for Humanity runs the ReStore, a building material recycler 
that sells second-hand and donated building materials. He has also been 
a strong advocate in promoting the policies that produce affordable and 
inclusionary housing. Ken's personal approach makes him a great 
advocate for Sacramento's neediest families.
  Mike Himes has demonstrated his dedication to helping families 
achieve successful, long-term homeownership. When the foreclosure 
crisis began to pound on the door of the region, Mike and his 
colleagues at NeighborWorks Sacramento led the way to create and 
promote many different collaborative relationships to assist borrowers. 
Mike is a smart, patient and outstanding individual who deserves 
recognition for his many personal and professional contributions. His 
expertise, strong principles and commitment are shown each time he 
helps a family.
  Ron Javor has worked tirelessly for decades within state government 
and the community to improve access to safe, affordable and accessible 
housing for lower-income households. Ron has worked consistently to 
develop and improve state programs that serve the neediest 
Californians. As a community activist, he helped found the Sacramento 
Housing Alliance and serves on many local nonprofit boards. He has been 
a strong voice in local efforts to ensure that local governments meet 
their obligations to adequately serve the homeless and lower-income 
households.
  Madam Speaker, because of the efforts of the California Reinvestment 
Coalition and community leaders like Elaine Abelaye, Ken Cross, Mike 
Himes, and Ron Javor, low-income communities and communities of color 
have access to fair and equal housing, banking and other financial 
services. It is my sincere hope the coalition and the outstanding 
people noted today will continue to serve the people of Sacramento for 
many years to come, and mentor the next generation of community 
leaders.

                          ____________________