Washington, DC (January 24, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today announced that Amigos del Valle has received a $285,000 flexible grant from NeighborWorks America for affordable housing projects.
Overall, Texas will receive $2.42 million in grants to create more economic development and affordable housing opportunities for Texans.
“The goal of homeownership is the culmination of the American dream for so many in our communities,” said Hinojosa. “Providing families and individuals with the opportunities they need to make this dream a reality is part of building a strong economy.”
This is the first of three rounds of grants this year, including a special deployment of funds to provide relief for hurricane evacuees resettling in communities across the nation, to rebuild areas in the Gulf Coast, and to launch a public education campaign regarding ways to rehabilitate flood-damaged homes, to avoid foreclosure after missing mortgage payments due to loss of income, and to offer information to individuals about predatory lenders.
Created in 1978 by Congress, NeighborWorks America launched the NeighborWorks network of community development nonprofits charged with closing the homeownership gaps; improving financial literacy; rehabilitating and repairing properties; and, make investments in communities.
Founded in 1974, Amigos del Valle’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in the lower Rio Grande Valley and south Texas through the provision of diversified and effective human services, community development activities, and advocacy, which are directed to low- and moderate-income individuals and families; with special emphasis on assisting the elderly population to maintain active, healthy, and independent lives. ADV's constituency and target areas are 85% Hispanic, with a very large percentage from farm worker families.
Congressman Hinojosa is co-founder and chairman of the Congressional Rural Housing Caucus. The Congressional Rural Housing Caucus aims to expand the availability of affordable housing; eliminate substandard housing in rural America; and, focusing in improving infrastructure.