Washington, DC (August 7, 2006) – Before the start of the August recess, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) introduced legislation to increase resources available to community-based housing development organizations to develop affordable housing projects and programs in rural areas. 

“Twenty percent of our nations’ population lives in Rural communities, yet many of these families live in housing conditions that are poor, inadequate, or run-down,” said Hinojosa.  “This bill will help community organizations dedicated to improving housing conditions in Rural America obtain the resources they need to address the problems of substandard housing.  By authorizing this much needed funding, more families in Rural America will be able to access decent housing that will improve their overall quality of life.”

H.R. 5896, the “Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2006,” authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) with funds for:  technical assistance, training, support and advice to develop the business and administrative capacities of rural community-based housing development organizations; and, loans, grants, or other financial assistance for community-based housing development organizations to develop affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families.

“Families in Rural America continue to face challenges when trying to rent or buy affordable and decent housing,” said Moises Loza, Executive Director, Housing Assistance Council.  “This bill will help HAC continue programs that help local organizations find solutions to meet the housing needs in communities throughout Rural America.” 

“McAllen Affordable Homes and the Community Development Corporation of South Texas strongly support H.R. 5896 and Congressional funding for the Housing Assistance Council,” said Robert Calvillo, Executive Director, Community Development Corporation of South Texas.  “HAC helps local organizations, such as ours, build affordable housing, especially in rural areas.”

The Housing Assistance Council is a national non-profit corporation that has been working for 35 years to increase the availability of decent housing for Rural low-income people.

The legislation has been referred the House Financial Services Committee, of which Congressman Hinojosa is a member, and may be considered when the House reconvenes in September.