The overview
According to the news release from HHA, the city secured a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help kickstart the $610.7 million redevelopment, which has been gathering momentum since 2020. The initiative includes:
- Expanding housing capacity
- Improving access to healthcare
- Enhancing educational opportunities
- Fostering economic growth
Redevelopment will also include improving public spaces, creating connections to nearby universities and expanding access to education, employment and health services.
“Our focus is rebuilding without leaving people behind—delivering high-quality homes, safer surroundings and stronger pathways to opportunity through education, jobs and health services," president of HHA Jamie Bryant said in the release. “This is a long-term commitment to Cuney Homes residents and Third Ward."
The housing authority is funding the Cuney Homes redevelopment through the use of HUD's Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant, which, according to the HUD Exchange website, focuses on three key areas—housing, people and neighborhoods.
The $50 million grant will be awarded every year through 2032, amounting to nearly $500 million.
What residents need to know
According to the release, development of the project will occur in five phases between 2025 and 2032, beginning with demolition of structures on the east side of the site, followed by construction of new replacement family and senior housing.
The Houston Housing Authority team is anticipated to start meeting with residents of Cuney Homes in the first week of November to create a relocation plan outlining housing options, key dates and moving assistance.
Every resident has a guaranteed right to housing during and after redevelopment, with those who prefer to return to the community able to move into the newly constructed replacement units once they become available. Residents can also choose to use a housing voucher to rent in the private market.
