CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE WELCOMES DEPUTY SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO ROCHESTER

(Rochester, N.Y.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle welcomed United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Adrianne Todman to tour Edna Craven Estates and discuss efforts to combat the housing crisis by increasing affordability and availability.

"We are currently experiencing an affordable housing shortage threatening the economic stability of people across the country,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m grateful to Deputy Secretary Todman for meeting with community leaders and seeing firsthand the difference federal support can make revitalizing neighborhoods and stimulating economic growth. I appreciate her valuable insight and look forward to our continued work together creating opportunity by making safe, affordable homes a reality for more local families.”

“Affordable housing creates a nesting place for families, especially children, to thrive,” said HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman. “The Edna Craven Estates are an example of when HUD’s programs work, and it’s wonderful seeing the federal funding we’ve invested in local neighborhoods really making a difference. I appreciate Congressman Morelle’s commitment to affordable housing strategies and look forward to seeing what the future holds for Rochester.”

Congressman Morelle is a part of a collaboration removing barriers and linking people in need to basic services, with a focus on housing. The Edna Craven Estates were constructed in place of 23 vacant structures contributing to neighborhood blight near Clifford and Joseph Ave. Offering supportive services such as counseling, this transformative development is the result of a public-private partnership with CDS Monarch.

As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Congressman Morelle proudly supports annual funding for federal programs aimed at supporting our community’s housing needs. Key federal programs Congressman Morelle advocates for include:

• HOME Investment Partnership Act block grants to develop and support affordable housing for low-income residents;
• Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to help communities with economic development, job opportunities and housing rehabilitation;
• Rental assistance in the form of Section 8 certificates or vouchers to provide housing aide to low-income families, survivors of domestic violence and veterans;
• Homeless Assistance Grants, which includes targeted services for survivors of domestic violence and youth experiencing homelessness.

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