[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 12, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PORTLAND HOUSING AUTHORITY

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Portland 
Housing Authority, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. 
Portland Housing Authority and its affiliates provide critical long-
term affordable rental housing and rental assistance to more than 3,000 
low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals in the Portland 
area. They house over 6,500 residents, nearly 10 percent of the city's 
population.
  Portland Housing Authority was established in 1943 through State 
legislation and is authorized by resolution of the Portland City 
Council. They receive most of their funding through the U.S. Department 
of Housing and Urban Development. Their mission is to provide and 
expand affordable housing opportunities and services that ``improve 
quality of life, build community, enhance safety, and promote personal 
success for the people [they] serve and the neighborhoods in which they 
reside.'' Certainly, over the last 75 years, Portland Housing Authority 
has made great strides in helping those in the greater Portland area 
find affordable housing and strengthening the community for everyone.
  One example of the strengthened community can be seen in the 
community groups created within the housing units. The Portland Housing 
Authority received one of the first grants from Women's United, to help 
fund community dinners where single mothers could learn about relevant 
topics and get to know each other. Many of these single mothers used 
these dinners to make friends, discuss their goals, and encourage and 
motivate each other. They have created their own network, helping each 
other out when needed.
  Another of these community groups is the Pihcintu chorus. This all-
girls chorus is made up almost entirely of refugee immigrants who live 
in Portland Housing Authority units and who have represented Maine on 
some of the biggest stages, including NBC's Today Show and the Kennedy 
Center here in Washington DC. This group, whose name in Passamaquoddy 
means ``when she sings, her voice carries far,'' is a unique way for 
girls who are new to Maine to gather from their diverse background to 
join as one voice. This group was started in 2005, and since then, more 
than 200 girls have lent their voices to the chorus. For many, the 
group offers a bit of serenity, companionship with other girls who have 
gone through similar journeys, and a reminder of the home they left 
behind. The chorus is also a symbol of their new home in the State of 
Maine.
  Over the last 75 years, Portland Housing Authority has not only 
helped Portland residents find affordable housing, but also has helped 
them thrive in their community. I want to recognize all the work they 
have done for the greater Portland area and the State of Maine over the 
last 75 years, and I look forward to seeing their continued success for 
many years to come.

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