[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 169 (Tuesday, November 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MS. ELIZABETH HUCKABONE FOR HER OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT TO 
                         THE BUFFALO COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and 
honor Ms. Elizabeth Huckabone on her retirement after serving 39 years 
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Belmont Housing Resources 
of Western New York. Ms. Huckabone dedicated her career to improving 
the lives of those less fortunate in her community.
   Her strong commitment to ensuring access to affordable housing in 
the city of Buffalo as well as Erie County led to her role as one of 
the co-founders of Belmont Housing Resources of Western New York. Since 
1977, Belmont has offered more than one hundred thousand low-income 
households critical rental assistance. Under Ms. Huckabone's 
leadership, Belmont has expanded its services over the decades to 
include management and development of affordable rental housing 
properties, as well as counsel on tenants' rights, homeownership, and 
mortgage default mitigation.
   A graduate of the State University of New York College at Buffalo, 
Ms. Huckabone was previously a director of the Erie County Fair Housing 
Partnership, National Leased Housing Association and the Elmwood 
Franklin School. Ms. Huckabone's dedication and determination has been 
recognized as a recipient of the National Association of Home Builders 
Property Manager Merit Award and the National Conference for Community 
and Justice Award. Most recently and deservedly so, this tireless 
champion of fair housing was awarded the 2015 LISC Buffalo Community 
Builder Award in recognition of her remarkable career.
   I am pleased to add my congratulations on her retirement and deep 
appreciation for her significant contributions as family, friends and 
colleagues gather together on November 23 to honor Elizabeth 
Huckabone's visionary leadership. It is anticipated that in her 
unassuming way, she will acknowledge Belmont's dedicated and talented 
staff, its inclusive culture, and the many community collaborations 
forged in order to increase the agency's impact on behalf of the people 
it serves. But for all who know her, admire her and will miss her, we 
simply say thank you for all you have done to help those in need to 
find a place to call home.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize 
Ms. Elizabeth Huckabone. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
congratulating Ms. Huckabone for her selfless commitment to public 
service. Her desire to build a better future for Buffalo has uplifted 
countless families in need and underscores the compassion held deeply 
by Western New Yorkers.

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