July 28, 2016
Media Contact:
Gordon Anderson (512) 475-4743
Public Inquiries: Webb County Community Action Agency (956) 523-4182
KEY POINTS
- State contract to assist five Webb Co. colonias
- Self-Help Center expected to assist 1,886 people
- Program improves homes, provides consumer education
State housing agency continues investment in Webb County Self-Help initiatives
(AUSTIN) — The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (“TDHCA”) today announced that it has awarded a $1 million contract to Webb County to continue funding operations of the county’s Colonia Self-Help Center, which promotes homeownership and self-sufficiency for residents living in five county colonias.
The contract will provide a wide range of technical and consumer assistance to an estimated 1,886 residents living in Los Altos, San Carlos I & II,Ranchitos 259 East, and Pueblo Nuevo colonias.
The Webb County Colonia Self-Help Center, one of seven along the Texas-Mexico border, supports the efforts of local colonia residents to improve their own living standards while making the most of limited housing funds, according to Tim Irvine, TDHCA Executive Director.
“This truly unique program directly provides colonia residents the skills and tools to improve the quality of their home through their own initiative,” he said. “This not only increases their standard of living and quality of life, the program opens the door for community development, infrastructure improvements, and a host of other benefits for the entire region.”
The county’s Community Action Agency (“CAA”) will administer the Center’s day-to-day activities. The contract calls for $770,000 to help with the rehabilitation of three homes, the new construction of four homes, and the reconstruction of nine homes.
Irvine said that the balance will be used to help cover expenses related to homeownership classes, construction skills classes, a lending tool library, solid waste removal, and the operations of the Center’s technology resources.
TDHCA’s Colonia Self-Help Center Program is funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Program through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Texas Department of Agriculture, which receives the state’s CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and TDHCA.
For more information regarding this program, please contact the Webb County CAA directly at (956) 523-4182.
About the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is committed to expanding fair housing choice and opportunities for Texans through the administration and funding of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, weatherization, and community-based services with the help of for-profits, nonprofits, and local governments. For more information about fair housing, funding opportunities, or services in your area, please visit www.tdhca.state.tx.us or the Learn about Fair Housing in Texas page.
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