[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E935-E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING HOUSING ASSISTANCE'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2024

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Housing Assistance 
as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
  Housing Assistance was originally founded in 1974 by Rick Presbrey in 
a small office converted from a garage in West Yarmouth. At first, the 
organization's sole program was administering State Chapter 707 Rental 
Assistance, but in 1975, Housing Assistance also began administering 
HUD Section Rental Assistance, followed by weatherization services. 
Over the past five decades the Cape Cod and Islands region has grown 
and evolved and so has the organization. What began as a rental voucher 
agency with only a few employees has grown into a regional housing 
agency and one of the largest developers of affordable housing in the 
region.
  Now with 120 employees and led by CEO Alisa Magnotta and Board 
Chairman Bill Bogdanovich, Housing Assistance strives to elevate the 
Cape and Islands economy and community, empower residents of all ages 
and income levels, and address the root causes of housing shortages and 
affordability. In addition to its original rental subsidy and voucher 
program services, Housing Assistance offers homelessness prevention and 
outreach services, shelter services, and permanent and transitional 
supportive housing. Further, Housing Assistance offers first time home 
buyer courses, and as the only HUD-approved housing counseling agency 
serving the Cape and Islands, the organization provides housing 
counseling on issues such as foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgages, 
and other housing related matters.
  Through its many services and programs, Housing Assistance works to 
bridge the gap between homelessness and homeownership to support the 
vision of a year-round Cape Cod community where everyone has access to 
housing and a stable place to call home. Over the last 50 years, the 
organization has assisted more than 200,000 residents, provided shelter 
to over 20,000 people, and built

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over 585 affordable housing units across the Cape and Islands. Housing 
Assistance has established itself as a leader in the community by 
creating housing solutions for families at a variety of income levels 
and working to address some of the greatest challenges in access to 
housing.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Housing Assistance, and I ask 
that my colleagues join me in thanking the organization for its 
unwavering commitment to supporting the residents of the Cape and 
Islands and improving access to affordable housing.

                          ____________________