[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 174 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE 
                          CITY OF BROWNSVILLE

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2018

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 80th 
Anniversary of the Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville (HACB), 
which has provided quality affordable housing for thousands of families 
and individuals in Brownsville.
  HACB, created under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, is dedicated to 
providing safe and affordable housing for those with low to moderate 
income. In 1939, with funding from the federal government, HACB 
constructed its first public housing development, a 150 unit family 
dwelling named Buena Vista. Since then, HACB has created thousands of 
units in our community, providing those most in need with access to 
quality affordable housing.
  Through partnerships with non-profit organizations, including the 
Brownsville Housing Management Corporation, the Brownsville Housing 
Finance Corporation, and the Brownsville Housing Opportunity 
Corporation, HACB has successfully utilized federal and state resources 
to expand access to housing. This collaboration allowed HACB to begin 
construction this year on its 21st property.
  In 1975, HACB's Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as 
Section 8, was established to provide federal housing and assistance so 
that families could use their federal benefits to live in neighborhoods 
across the city. Today, HACB provides assistance for 2,582 families in 
Brownsville.
  HACB is a driving force, providing high-quality affordable housing 
and creating the conditions necessary to empower our communities. 
Together, housing is a critical service that promotes health, safety, 
employment, upward mobility, and educational opportunities for South 
Texas families.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you for the opportunity to honor and 
celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Housing Authority of the City of 
Brownsville. I proudly commend HACB's Board of Commissioners, 
Administration and Staff for their leadership and hard work helping our 
community and making a lasting positive impact in the lives of South 
Texans.

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