WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) celebrated the news that the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $23.4 million dollars in funding to housing authorities across the State of Connecticut. Four areas in the 4th District received a total of $6,268,644 divided as follows:
· Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport - $3,876,098
· New Canaan Housing Authority - $25,523
· Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk - $1,272,166
· Housing Authority of the City of Stamford - $1,094857
The grants announced today are provided through HUD’s Capital Fund Program, which is aimed at supporting renovation and modernization for housing authorities throughout the country. Projects supported by these funds include roof replacement, electrical and plumbing repair or updating electrical systems.
“We have a potential housing crisis on our hands in Southwest Connecticut,” said Himes. “There is not enough affordable housing for low-income individuals, and the housing that we do have is too often dated, inefficient, and in need of repair. The Capital Fund Program is absolutely invaluable in helping us deal with the most pressing of these issues, but only scratches the surface of addressing the underlying needs.
“I spent many years working in the field of affordable housing, both at Enterprise Community Partners and as Commissioner of the Greenwich Housing Authority. While both of those experiences came with their own challenges, I emerged with a strong belief that we can provide affordable housing in the 21st Century if we continue the strong partnerships between federal, state and local officials and are committed to using innovative, forward-thinking solutions. Our task will only be done when every individual and family has access to safe affordable housing, which will save us money and lives in the long run.”