[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING CHRISTIAN CHURCH HOMES OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th Anniversary of 
Christian Church Homes of Northern California (CCH). Since its debut in 
1961, CCH has provided quality, affordable housing in creating caring 
communities for low-income seniors, as well as assisting its residents 
with accessing critical services to maintain their well-being.
  It was the vision of church members in 1959 that led to the start of 
a committee that explored innovative ways to take action to the issue 
of fewer housing choices for seniors in northern California. In 1961, 
the committee moved forward to incorporate, and three years later, they 
received their first U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) 
loan and began construction on Garfield Park Village in Santa Cruz, CA.
  Today, CCH serves more than 6,000 residents in over 60 properties in 
six States--California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, and Texas. 
CCH employs around 450 experienced people and works with 350 dedicated 
volunteers to keep and maintain a high quality of life for its 
residents through community events, activities, and services such as 
fresh produce markets, ``feel good bingo,'' computer labs, wellness 
clinics, exercise rooms, and education workshops.
  CCH takes pride in its Service Coordination Program that provides 
resident assessments and referrals to services that match the needs of 
the residents. Through the guidance of service coordinators, residents 
can access the resources available in the greater community, which 
ultimately can allow for extended ability to remain in their CCH 
community.
  Moreover, CCH has been leading the ``Aging in Place'' movement that 
blends health and human service provisions into affordable senior 
housing. These features allow for our senior citizens to live 
comfortably and become better acquainted with their community, while 
maintaining dignity and independence.
  As a private non-profit corporation, CCH has benefitted from 
leveraging public and private resources for affordable housing 
development. By accessing all available funding on the Federal, State, 
local, and private levels, it allows CCH to provide additional services 
and benefits to its residents. In addition, a majority of its 
communities are funded through HUD, and many communities offer Project-
based Section 8 or other subsidy programs which allow residents to pay 
30 percent of their income in rent.
  On behalf of California's 9th Congressional District, I want to 
extend my congratulations on this important milestone. I want to thank 
all of the many people who have contributed to the continued success of 
Christian Church Homes of Northern California. I wish you the very 
best.

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