[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1352-E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIP HOUSING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 31, 2012

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an outstanding non-profit in 
San Mateo County, HIP Housing, on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary. 
This remarkable organization has assisted thousands of disadvantaged 
and disabled residents giving them shelter and the opportunity to turn 
their lives around.
   Because of HIP Housing, over 1,000 individuals per year have a place 
to call home which makes for 1,000 stories of transformed lives. These 
are the stories of struggling mothers with high school educations going 
back to school, under the guidance of HIP Housing, to earn a degree.
   HIP Housing's stories include those of families who, due to illness 
or a reduction in hours at work, injuries from an auto accident or 
dozens of other causes, cannot afford rent and are dangerously close to 
living on the street. HIP Housing offers a helping hand and a steady 
course to a secure future.
   The Home Sharing Program is a creative and effective way to match a 
home provider with a home seeker who pays rent or provides services. It 
cuts housing costs, promotes independence, provides companionship and 
increases security. Many strong friendships have started through the 
Home Sharing Program, and these friendships have transformed the lives 
of all involved.
   HIP Housing's Self-Sufficiency Program helps low-income families set 
clear goals to become financially self-reliant within one or two years 
while receiving housing assistance and support services. Attending a 
graduation ceremony of this program is certain to make one cry. A long 
line of graduates traipse up to the microphone and recount how they 
developed parenting skills, earned a degree and landed a job, or 
learned the skills to start a business. One woman this year reported 
that she had moved from being nearly homeless to getting her college 
degree, and onward to making over $80,000 per year in hospital 
administration, all with the help of HIP's counselors. The American 
Dream is alive at HIP Housing where housing is a right of everyone who 
wishes to work hard, and a need of all human beings who seek dignity.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to 
honor the volunteers, staff, board members and foundations supporting 
HIP Housing. These are the quiet heroes who allow this organization to 
make San Mateo County a better place for all of us. HIP Housing is a 
shining example of what community service can be and can do to 
transform the world in which we live.

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