[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 183 (Tuesday, November 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1542-E1543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 39TH ANNIVERSARY OF CATHOLICS FOR HOUSING, INC. AND 
          2018 FATHER GERARD CREEDON HOUSING AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 20, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 39th anniversary 
of Catholics for Housing, Incorporated and to congratulate the 2018 
Father Gerard Creedon Housing Award recipients.
  Founded in response to the United States Conference of Catholic 
Bishops' Pastoral Letter entitled, ``The Right to a Decent Home,'' 
Catholics for Housing, Incorporated was established in 1979 under the 
tireless leadership of Father Gerard Creedon and sustained by a 
dedicated group of community members who work to expand affordable 
housing options and prevent homelessness.
  Now in its 39th year, Catholics for Housing has grown substantially 
in both clientele and

[[Page E1543]]

breadth of mission. Since its inception, the organization has expanded 
to provide assistance in 21 counties within the vicinity of the 
Arlington Catholic Diocese. It has adapted over the years with new 
goals and a renewed vision, while remaining true to its core mission of 
collaborating with others to support the development, construction, and 
rehabilitation of affordable housing. Catholics for Housing projects 
include affordable housing initiatives, affordable rental housing, 
senior citizen rental assistance, security deposit assistance, and 
collaborative education and advocacy efforts.
  Catholics for Housing is sustained through the dedication and 
generosity of its board, staff, volunteers, and many community 
partners.
  It is my honor to include in the Record the following Catholics for 
Housing partners for sustaining the vision established by Father 
Creedon and our dedicated community members. The 2018 Father Gerard 
Creedon Housing Award honorees are:
  Mr. Robert Gibson is one of the co-founders of Catholics for Housing 
and is being recognized for his steadfast support of affordable housing 
and homelessness prevention.
  Mr. Jonathan N. Francis, Esquire is being recognized for the 
assistance he provided to the residents of East End Mobile Home Park 
when they all faced eviction when the property was declared a health 
hazard due to ongoing sewer leaks.
  The City of Manassas is being recognized for approving the sale of 
East End Mobil Home Park and working with Catholics for Housing as it 
rehabbed the water and sewer problems.
  The leadership and actions taken by these honorees resulted in the 
preservation of affordable housing for approximately 300 residents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
2018 Father Gerard Creedon Housing Award recipients and in commending 
the efforts of Catholics for Housing, who continues to work with its 
partners to provide needed support and assistance to many of our most 
vulnerable neighbors.

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