Texas Border Business
(McAllen, TX) Recently, the Housing Coalition Advisory Council held its first meeting of 2017. The mission of the Housing Coalition, established by City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling last year, is to establish a forum for all affordable housing providers to share ideas, provide information and seek resources in collaboration to provide quality affordable housing for elderly, low income, disabled, veterans, homeless and working families of Hidalgo County.
“I am very proud that we are working in collaboration for the benefit of Hidalgo County,” said Mayor Darling. “It doesn’t matter what city we live in, homelessness is an issue that affects us all and we must come together to address this, not just for their sake, but also, for the well-being of our communities.”
With this initiative, duplication of efforts may be avoided and partnerships forged to be successful in meeting housing needs and using numerous housing alternatives to create, supply and maintain appropriate housing by rehabilitation, maintenance and restoration in transitional, rental and homeownership settings. Members of the coalition represent their respective housing organizations along with at-large housing advocate members.
For more information about the Coalition, contact Piedad Martinez, Community Development Director for the City of McAllen at 681-3200.
After the first meeting of the Housing Coalition Advisory Council, members pose for a group photo. Shown L-R: Piedad Martinez (Community Development Director, City of McAllen); Eriberto Orta (Habitat for Humanity); Robert Calvillo (Affordable Homes of South Texas); Elva M. Cerda (Sr. Vice President, Frost Bank); City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling; Wayne Lowry (Habitat for Humanity)’ Arnold Padilla (McAllen Housing Authority); and Yvette Balderas (Community Development Assistant Director, City of McAllen)
