[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MINNIE CARTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Minnie Carter. Ms. Carter grew up in Tunica County, Mississippi and is 
extremely proud to continue her work in her community. She is a 
graduate of Rosa Fort High School and Jackson State University. She is 
a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
  In 1987, Minnie was hired by the Tunica County Department of Human 
Services in Tunica, Mississippi. Her responsibilities included 
determining the initial and continuing eligibility of applicants and 
recipients for welfare assistance and provide other services related to 
the programs of the county offices.
  When not busy at work Minnie has volunteered at community pride 
fairs, community health fairs, schools and churches. She has served 
several years as a member of various community and civic groups such as 
the Tunica County United Voters League, Tunica County PUSH, Concerned 
Citizens of Tunica, Leaders of Tomorrow, and African-Americans for A 
Better Tunica County and Tunica County NAACP. In her spare time she 
enjoys traveling, reading, walking and working out.
  Minnie has been recognized and honored for her work. She has received 
numerous awards and accolades. She has been a recipient of the 
Community Service Award, Woman of the Year Award, and the Distinguished 
Citizen of the Year Award.
  Minnie has over 24 years experience in community organizing, program 
implementation and nonprofit management. She is presently the Executive 
Director of Tunica County Housing Project, Inc. Since its beginning 
Tunica County Housing Project, Inc. (TCHP) has had as its goal, ``to 
provide decent affordable housing for families with low incomes living 
in Tunica County, Mississippi.'' For 19 years, Tunica County Housing 
Project, Inc. has been a leader in promoting affordable housing in 
Tunica County. ``Minnie Carter believes that homeownership contributes 
to the Tunica County economy, builds strong communities and is a 
powerful tool for building economic stability and self-esteem for 
families.'' Tunica County Housing Project, Inc. is especially committed 
to improving the quality of life for the people of Tunica County.
  One of TCHP greatest accomplishments has been the creation of a 
subdivision, Nellie Johnson Village in Tunica County. This subdivision 
consists of sixty-one affordable houses owned by families with low and 
very low incomes.
  In 2004 TCHP assumed the Tunica County Housing Rehabilitation 
Program. This program is designed to bring a person's house up to 
compliance with the Standard Housing Code published by International 
Residential Code as adopted by Tunica County and all other relevant 
codes adopted by the local governing bodies. TCHP has repaired and 
rehabilitated 146 homes for families with low incomes. It has provided 
replacement mobile homes for 23 families whose homes were beyond 
repair.
  In 2007 TCHP received a Housing Preservation Grant in the amount of 
$117,921.71. This program is designed to assist homeowners with low and 
very low incomes with the repair and rehabilitation of their homes to 
bring their dwellings up to development standards. The HPG funds were 
used to complement the funds committed by Tunica County. TCHP has 
repaired and rehabilitated an additional 24 homes for families with low 
and very low incomes utilizing these funds.
  In 2008 TCHP assumed the Tunica County Mortgage Assistance Program 
(TMAP) which provides up to $25,000 to first time homebuyers purchasing 
a home in Tunica County. The grant may be used for down payment and/or 
closing costs.
  Since 2010 Minnie has been a mentor for the Tunica County Mentoring 
Program. She plans to help mentees make positive connections between 
the world of work, school and the community. She believes this will 
help mentees develop personal skills and career awareness in order to 
make better life-long decisions.

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