Phoenix Field Office and City Officials Celebrate $20 Million HOPE VI Grant

Rebecca Flanagan speaks to audience

On May 24, Phoenix Field Office Director Rebecca Flanagan and her staff joined HUD Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing Sandra Henriquez to present the City of Phoenix with $20 million. The funds will be used to demolish and rebuild the severely distressed property called the Frank Luke Addition complex. When completed the 456 on- and off-site mixed-income rental units will be energy efficient affordable housing. Community and Supportive Services will also be provided to all impacted families and will include case management, employment programs, early childhood education programs, programs for youth and seniors, health-related services, relocation assistance, transportation assistance, homeownership counseling, and broadband Internet access for residents.

City Councilman Tom Simplot expresses the appreciation of the City of Phoenix

The City of Phoenix Housing Department has enlisted an extensive array of partners to supplement the services they will offer. Partners include: the Warner A. Gable Boys & Girls Club, Arizona Opportunities Industrial Center, Association of Supportive Childcare, Arizona State University School of Social Work, City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center and many other partners.

The event was held in the Vernell Coleman Recreation Center at the Matthew Henson HOPE VI site with many attendees and reporters covering the event. At the last minute the mayor was unable to attend, but was represented by City Councilman Tom Simplot.

Blanca Arredondo shares her compelling story of growing up in Phoenix public housing

The compelling story of growing up in the Phoenix public housing was emotionally revealed by former tenant Bianca Arredondo. She began by saying that she grew up poor. She and her family lived in the Matthew Henson public housing for years. Arredondo said that a case worker was assigned to the family as part of the HOPE VI grant. She went on to say that it was the support and resources she needed to succeed.  She earned her college degree and is now working on her master’s degree. HOPE VI housing is not just a roof over ones head. The mixed use development community also receives resources to help with education, employment and child care.

$20 Million Check

Assistant Secretary Henriquez stated, "HOPE VI created nearly 86,000 homes in healthy, mixed-income communities that were once troubled by distressed public housing. HOPE VI has raised the average income of residents by 75 percent or more – and it has leveraged twice the federal investment in additional private development capital, forging the public-private partnerships that our communities need and ensuring American taxpayers get the most 'bang for the buck'." As Rebecca Flanagan said, "HOPE VI grants are more than just financial grants and more than just public housing. They are more importantly the tools that can transform people’s lives. Everyday HUD touches people in a very positive way and we are all proud of that."

Read the news release here