[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 172 (Thursday, October 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING EDEN HOUSING'S 55TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2023

  Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to recognize Eden 
Housing, which will celebrate 55 years since it first opened its doors, 
on Friday, October 27, 2023. Eden Housing provides dignified, 
affordable housing to residents across the state of California.
  Eden Housing was founded in 1968 by community activists in Hayward, 
California. Led by California State University, Hayward Professor Bill 
Vandenburgh, Eden Housing's mission is to provide safe, non-
discriminatory, affordable housing in Alameda County. Following this 
mission, Eden Housing's first project was to rehabilitate six older 
homes in Oakland so that each family could keep making memories without 
sacrificing safety.
  Eden Housing also develops high-quality housing communities for low-
income families, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities 
throughout my district, the wider Bay Area, and California. Eden 
Housing properties ensure that residents receive supplemental resident 
and enrichment programs to support their well-being. These services 
include wellness checks, physical education, and financial workshops.
  Over the course of its history, Eden Housing has developed nearly 
12,000 affordable housing units across 155 properties in California, 
with more than 100,000 residents calling Eden Housing properties home. 
Since its inception, Eden Housing has also awarded over 620 
scholarships to residents totaling more than $1 million in support of 
their academic and professional goals.
  It has been my privilege to support Eden Housing's work by passing a 
direct appropriation of $1 million for the development of a veterans' 
park in Livermore. Their hard work was also recently recognized by the 
Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial 
Institutions Fund award of $10 million.
  In sum, Eden Housing is pivotal to improving California neighborhoods 
through nurturing relationships with residents and diverse community 
partners. I am grateful for the 55 years of hard work that Eden Housing 
has undertaken to become a leader in the establishment of affordable 
housing in our state. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating 
Eden Housing's legacy and wish it many more productive years to come.

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