Huffman Square - A New Green Development Named for an African-American Neighborhood Hero

Officials, friends and family gather to cut the ribbon for the opening of Huffman Square

The Housing Authority of Henderson in Kentucky recently constructed the environmentally friendly Huffman Square duplexes through the use of HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds administered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Each of the four energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing apartments are accessible to people with mobility, sight, and hearing impairments. Additionally, the development meets the National Association of Home Builders' GOLD Green Building Standard.

The new development not only provides innovative affordable housing, but it also ties the rich history of African-Americans in the neighborhood to the present. Huffman Square is named after the charitable spirit of Ms. Pearl Huffman, a local African-American woman who established many businesses in the neighborhood. Ms. Huffman began serving the local community in the 1930's by operating a grocery store, Laundromat, and restaurant. She is fondly remembered by many for her generosity. Her grandson, Mr. James Ware, who was present at the ribbon cutting ceremony, said she never turned a hungry person away, whether they could pay or not. He added, "She raised five kids, six grandkids and would do anything for anybody. She was the type of person, you'd meet her once and you could love her."

HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program was established for the purpose of stabilizing communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment, and the Housing Authority of Henderson's Huffman Square development is a stellar example of how the program helps cities, neighborhoods, and most importantly, the people who live in them. If she were alive, Ms. Huffman would be proud to call Huffman Square home.

For more information about applying for housing at Huffman Square or the Housing Authority of Henderson, please call their office at (270) 827-1294 or visit its website: www.hahenderson.org/.

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