HUD Kentucky Office Hosts Louisville Metro Public Housing Authority Summer Students

Who would have thought that a trip to the HUD Kentucky Office would elicit more excitement by a student than a trip to an amusement park, but it did! Recently, nine public housing students ranging in age between eight and twelve years old visited the HUD office for a day to participate in various activities to increase their civic awarenessand to find out how they can become active citizens in their communities.

Louisville Metro Mayor Greg Fischer interacts with the summer students during his visit to HUD.

The highlight of the day was definitely a visit from Louisville Metro City Mayor Greg Fischer. The Mayor took time out of his day to meet each student and to answer their questions.

The opportunity to meet and interact demonstrated to the Mayor and HUD staff just how challenging some of the issues are that these children face each and every day. For instance, one child asked what the Mayor was doing to address gun violence, while another shared that she did not play outside where she lived because she did not feel safe. There were other questions as well that included why he decided to become the Mayor, how he became the Mayor, and what he does every day to help people.

"We are so glad that the housing authority summer students visited our office and were so engaged in our activities," said Kentucky Field Office Director Christopher Taylor. "We believe our goal to open their eyes to all of the career and community opportunities that are available to them now and as they grow older was a huge success."

Louisville Metro Mayor Fischer with the summer students and their teachers at the HUD Kentucky Office.

The HUD portion included a short presentation by each division about their roles and responsibilities and a fun office scavenger hunt. That engaged the children to read a series of clues that led them all around the office to discover different aspects of how HUD builds and strengthens communities. There were also learning activities that centered on what it takes to create an ideal community. Then the day wrapped up with a fun game of HUD Family Feud.

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