Congressman John J. LaFalce of New York, Ranking Minority Member on the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services: �The Storefront Office concept represents the new priorities of HUD. It utilizes state-of-the-art technology in an accessible environment to assist individuals and families in meeting their housing needs. I look forward to the opening of many similar offices across the country over the next three years, creating a considerably greater HUD presence in nearly all communities. In my position as the Ranking Member with jurisdiction over HUD, I intend to work closely with the Administration to continue these important initiatives which will allow us to efficiently and effectively meet the individualized housing needs of all our citizens.�

Congressman Louis Stokes of Ohio, Ranking Minority Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on VA-HUD and Independent Agencies: �I applaud Secretary Andrew Cuomo for opening HUD's first Storefront Office right here in the heart of our Capital's neighborhoods. Information now will be accessible to people about our federal housing programs at a retail level. I am excited that this is the first of many other HUD Storefront Offices.�

Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy II of Massachusetts, Ranking Minority Member on the House Banking Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity: �Our constituents want government to be more user-friendly, more accessible, and less costly. That is exactly what HUD's Storefront Office does. Whether it's for an FHA loan, housing assistance, or a Fair Housing complaint, HUD will be one step closer to the people it serves.�

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland: �I commend HUD for opening up this community office to make its expertise, products and services available to the Metropolitan Washington area community. This Storefront Office is a wonderful example of the federal government working in partnership with the local community.�

Congressman Jim Moran of Virginia: �This initiative will serve as a model for cooperative efforts between governments and local communities to meet the housing challenges of the 21st Century. HUD and the Secretary deserve our thanks and praise for offering us this exciting glimpse of the future.�

Congressman Tom Davis of Virginia: �The new HUD Storefront is a new kind of office that takes HUD from the high-rise office buildings it operates in today and places it in the streets closer to the people. This office represents all of the reforms that Secretary Cuomo has been talking about since he took office in January 1997.�

Congressman Albert R. Wynn of Maryland: �I am pleased that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is opening a Storefront Office to service the residents of the Washington Metropolitan Area. The first of its kind in the nation, it will assist HUD in carrying out its mission by making the agency more accessible to the community it serves. I hope people will take advantage of this invaluable resource.�

David J. Barram, Administrator of the General Services Administration: �HUD's new Storefront Office is exactly what the American people tell us they want from their government. It offers a perfect setting for local residents to become intimately involved in revitalizing their own neighborhoods and communities. With its emphasis on �hands on' technology and person-to-person interaction, this new office gives people the tools they need to improve their own lives.�

J. Thomas Cochran, Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors: �The new HUD Storefront brings government back into the community. It is a welcome sign that HUD's reform is real. By making it easy for people to learn what HUD does and how it can help them, Secretary Cuomo has listened and learned from what the mayors of the 90s have been doing - empowering neighborhoods, involving and strengthening their cities and creating opportunity for all of our people.�

Wayne K. Curry, Prince George's County (MD) Executive: �This is an example of how government agencies, at all levels, are getting closer to the communities they serve, making offices and staff more accessible and utilizing interactive computer technology.�

Douglas Duncan, Montgomery County (MD) Executive: �To me, this is a great example of reinventing government - of bringing important programs and services into the community, directly to the people who need them. With their computer laptops and their commitment to reach out to customers, HUD's Community Builders can create virtual offices wherever they choose. We feel certain we'll see more of HUD in Montgomery County in the future.�

M. Arthur Gensler, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Gensler architecture, planning and design firm: �We at Gensler are very proud to participate in developing the innovative HUD Next Door Program. As a design firm focused on providing superior service to our customers, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with HUD in enhancing the Department's ability to serve and interact with the community.�

Othello Poulard, Center for Community Change: �Historically tenants have complained due to the inability to assess information from HUD. I commend HUD for making the Storefront Office a reality. This is a major achievement by HUD and will bring great relief to tenants regarding programs and services available.�

Last Updated: May 6, 1998
Content Archived: January 20, 2009