Press Release - Congressmen Celebrate Chavis Heights Revitalization

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

August 13, 2004

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Congressmen, Housing Authority, Residents Celebrate New Hope VI Grant

RALEIGH - Today U.S. Reps. Bob Etheridge (NC-02), David Price (NC-04) and Brad Miller (NC-13) joined the Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) and city leaders in celebrating the new Hope VI revitalization of Chavis Heights in Southeast Raleigh.

"HOPE VI funding can make a dramatic difference in our communities and in the lives of our citizens," Etheridge said. "The folks here at RHA have worked hard to produce and preserve sustainable, affordable housing in our community and to help families progress up the ladder of economic opportunity. In these tough economic times, this federal funding brings hope to our community and hope to families."

Price said, "HOPE VI represents a realization of the American dream, and the Raleigh Housing Authority has a proven record of success in turning that dream into reality for Triangle residents. We're excited about future of Chavis Heights, when it will be a diverse neighborhood where business mix with different types of families and residents of all ages who live together and prosper."

The HOPE VI Grant Program eradicates dilapidated public housing and replaces it with mixed-income, mixed-use revitalized communities. RHA has used HOPE VI funding to successfully transform the Halifax Court community into Capitol Park. It was recently awarded nearly $23 million to do the same for Chavis Heights.

In Congress, Etheridge, Price and Miller have advocated for increased HOPE VI funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is a highly selective, highly competitive federal program. The Bush Administration has proposed killing the program, and it is only through the strong support of some members of Congress that is has been continued.

"HOPE IV grants don't just change communities -- they transform the lives of folks that dream about living in a good home but know the likelihood of moving up is like waiting for lightning to strike," said Miller. "This revitalization grant is that bolt that Chavis Park residents sorely needed to jumpstart their lives with proper housing, child care and community services."

During Friday's announcement, a public housing resident Luwanda Harris gave her personal perspective on the ways in which HOPE VI can change the lives of its residents. She lived in Halifax Court and has since moved back to the revitalized community to a single-family home. RHA Director Steve Beam outlined the future of Chavis Heights, which will be rebuilt much the way Halifax Court was.