[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 161 (Friday, November 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1107-E1108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF THE LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION OF 
                                HOUSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SYLVIA R. GARCIA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 1, 2024

  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an 
organization that has spent 35 years building a legacy of hope, 
resilience, and sustainable communities across the Houston area--the 
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Houston. Since 1989, LISC 
Houston has been more than a community builder; it's been a lifeline to 
countless families and neighborhoods, investing over $592 million and 
leveraging $1.5 billion to bring more than 11,000 affordable homes and 
over two million square feet of community spaces to life.
  Think about that for a moment. Over three decades of building homes 
and hope--three decades of investing in people, families, and 
neighborhoods that are the bedrock of this great city. LISC Houston is 
grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a roof over their head 
and a vibrant community, a place where they can work, raise their 
children, and feel a sense of belonging.
  Through its Financial Opportunity Centers and partnerships with local 
businesses,

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LISC has helped thousands in our area find good-paying jobs, start 
businesses, and build brighter futures. When it comes to affordable 
housing, they haven't just built homes; they've built foundations--
places where families feel rooted, children feel safe, and communities 
can grow and thrive. LISC stands alone in the Houston region as the 
organization that tackles every facet of affordable housing--from 
providing training and developing new housing to preserving existing 
homes, expanding access to homeownership, and leading post-disaster 
recovery efforts.
  And LISC Houston's work is far from finished. As they look to the 
future, they're setting their sights on new challenges--focusing on 
digital literacy, place-based development, economic mobility, and 
climate resilience. They're supporting small businesses, including 
childcare providers, and empowering emerging housing developers. 
They're creating pathways to homeownership, lifting up families, and 
transforming communities with every project.
  Mr. Speaker, LISC Houston's legacy reminds us that when we come 
together, we can build something lasting. It's a vision that speaks to 
the best of who we are--a belief in the power of community, in lifting 
each other up, and in making sure that everyone has a fair shot at a 
better future.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating LISC's important 
milestone and their tremendous impact.

                          ____________________