[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17206]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 IN HONOR OF THE UNION CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY, CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF 
                           AFFORDABLE HOUSING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Housing 
Authority of Union City, New Jersey, celebrating a half-century of 
providing affordable housing to area families.
  The 50th anniversary of the Union City Housing Authority is a 
wonderful cause for celebration. However, the real celebration lies in 
the extraordinary success the Authority has achieved in community 
building, which has led to its recognition as one of the top performing 
housing authorities in the nation.
  This success has been accomplished through a clear understanding that 
building houses alone will not build communities. Compassion, hard 
work, dedication, and solid planning are the heart and mind of the 
Union City Housing Authority, and it is this heart and mind that builds 
prosperous communities.
  When people envision public housing, they do not envision communities 
that provide for the spiritual and social needs of residents. Most 
picture dismal, neglected houses, empty streets, and residents 
disconnected from the mainstream.
  Public housing has changed because we have changed. For many years 
now, the Union City Housing Authority has had a different vision of 
public housing; and today, that vision has touched countless lives, 
satisfying for many the age-old need for a real home--not just a 
shelter from the harsh elements.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me as I honor the Union City 
Housing Authority for its extraordinary success at providing affordable 
housing, establishing communities, and changing lives.

                          ____________________