[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 130 (Friday, September 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1743-E1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN B. FALEK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 24, 2010

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Stephen B. Falek, Associate Director for the Housing Authority of the 
City of Milwaukee, who will retire in October, 2010, after 38 years of 
distinguished service.

[[Page E1744]]

  He has been a tireless advocate to provide affordable housing 
opportunities to my constituency. Families in my district and 
throughout the state have benefited from his efforts to create 
``green'' facilities, develop homeownership programs, provide resources 
to serve low-income families, and expand programs to serve our 
veterans, homeless, elderly and disabled, and mentally challenged.
  As Assistant Director, Mr. Falek is responsible for the day-to-day 
operation of a multitude of public housing units, multi-family market 
rate rental housing, and a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
  His advocacy can be seen on the local and national levels. His 
particular interest in addressing the needs of often overlooked 
populations led to the development of a Single Room Occupancy facility 
for the homeless. Mr. Falek reunited families by securing a number of 
housing opportunities for homeless or transitional parents who would 
have otherwise lost custody of their children if they did not have a 
home. In addition, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he ensured 
that Milwaukee opened its doors to evacuees. He created a task force 
with various government agencies to make sure that these evacuees were 
assisted quickly.
  In 2009, he received the National Association of Housing and 
Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) M. Justin Herman Award for Lifetime 
Achievement, which honors an exceptional individual who has made 
outstanding contributions to the quality of life through service in the 
field of housing or community development. He continued his noteworthy 
role as a leader by participating on boards and committees. His 
contributions are well known within NAHRO, the North Central Regional 
Council of NAHRO, and the State of Wisconsin Association of Housing 
Authorities (WAHA). Mr. Falek was a key figure in creating the WAHA 
State Chapter and made Wisconsin one of the strongest chapters.
  Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to 
Stephen B. Falek who leaves behind a wonderful legacy of leadership and 
community building in the Fourth Congressional District and State of 
Wisconsin.

                          ____________________