[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16123]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING BEULAH LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ON ITS PLATINUM 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the New Haven community and all of those gathered this evening in 
celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Beulah Land Development 
Corporation--a remarkable milestone for this outstanding organization.
  Dedicated to making a difference in a distressed community, the 
Beulah Land Development Corporation was founded in 1994 with a simple 
mission--to improve the quality of life for area residents through 
providing homeownership opportunities for families, the creation of 
affordable housing for seniors, and supporting innovative economic 
development initiatives. BLDC also seeks to empower community residents 
by providing or acting as a gateway to programs and initiatives that 
provide education, technical and financial assistance to repair and 
beautify their homes, improve their economic status, and prepare for a 
sustainable future.
  Over the course of the last two decades, BLDC has invested millions 
in the revitalization of blighted properties. The Orchard Street 
Townhouses and additional revitalization of several properties along 
Orchard and Henry Streets have enabled first-time homebuyers to realize 
their dreams. The Walter S. Brooks Elderly Homes, named in honor of one 
of the founding members of BLDC, provides safe, affordable rental units 
for our seniors. Looking to the future, BLDC has recently worked to 
redevelop a brownfields site where they plan to provide accessible 
community based health services.
  Perhaps what is most special about BLDC is that it is a family 
affair. The Brooks family have been and continue to be dedicated 
community activists. Bishop Theodore Brooks and his late brother, 
Walter, seeing a real need, opened the doors of BLDC as a way to make a 
difference in the lives of their neighbors. Today, BLDC is still led by 
President and CEO Bishop Theodore Brooks and his son, Darrell, works 
tirelessly by his side. They understand that a home is not simply a 
place to rest your head--it is a source of comfort and security for 
families. By making these investments, they are not only leading by 
example, they are empowering residents and inspiring a renewed pride in 
and commitment to their community.
  For their many invaluable contributions to the Dixwell neighborhood 
and the New Haven community, I am honored to rise today to extend my 
heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Brooks, his son Darrell, the Brooks 
family and the staff and supporters of the Beulah Land Development 
Corporation as they celebrate the organization's platinum anniversary. 
I have no doubt that even as they celebrate this special occasion, 
their vision and leadership will continue to make a difference in our 
community and in the lives of others for many more years to come.

                          ____________________