CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS THE HOUSTON HOUSING AUTHORITY ON LONG AWAITED FIFTH WARD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Washington, DC - The Houston Housing Authority Chairman Lance Gilliam informed leaders of the Latter Day Deliverance Revival Church that the Authority has ended its efforts to acquire three vacant tracts owned by the church in Houston's Fifth Ward.

"I applaud the Houston Housing Authority for maintaining their commitment to rebuilding affordable housing in the historic Fifth Ward and for making every effort to work with the church leaders, pastor, and congregants to rebuild all 63 homes. The decision to move forward with the first phase is a down payment toward rebuilding this community and to rebuild the lives of those families who lost their homes," stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

The Houston Housing Authority provides affordable homes and services to more than 58,000 low-income Houstonians, including over 17,000 families housed through the Housing Choice Voucher Program and another 5,700 living in 25 public housing and tax credit developments around the city. HHA also administers one of the nation's largest voucher program exclusively serving homeless veterans.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee further stated, "This process is indicative of our American democracy and the rights we have as public, private, and religious entities. I look forward to the completion of this entire development to enhance this vital area in the Fifth Ward."