FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 5, 2005

Contact:
Jennifer Jones, Media Relations Specialist
(512) 477-4488 x117
jenniferj@hacanet.org

HACA HELPS PAY COLLEGE EDUCATION FOR MANY HOUSING AUTHORITY RESIDENTS

WHAT: The Housing Authority of the City of Austin and the Southwest Housing Compliance Corporation will host the Fifth Annual Resident Academic Scholarship Awards Ceremony Thursday to honor HACA student residents who have been selected to receive scholarships to further their education.

"These residents are taking strides to better their chances of a brighter future,” James Hargrove, HACA CEO and president, said. “They are determined to create opportunities for themselves where many times no opportunities exist, and we are determined to assist them.”

Created in 2000, the scholarship program is meant to encourage people living in public or assisted housing to increase their potential and better their circumstances through education.

This year, HACA is distributing $50,000 in scholarships to a total of 27 students of all ages and backgrounds. Applicants need only be a resident of the housing authority and desire the opportunity to attend college in order to apply for this scholarship.

Hargrove and Mayor Will Wynn will open the ceremony and address the students before awarding the scholarships.

WHEN: Thursday, July 7 at 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Booker T. Washington Terraces, located at 905 Bedford St. in East Austin

WHAT ELSE: The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is a public agency whose business is to ensure that safe, quality affordable housing opportunities exist for families of low income; break the poverty cycle by serving as a catalyst for our residents to become economically self-sufficient; create meaningful partnerships to maximize available community resources for our residents; and efficiently and effectively meet federal, state and local mandates. For more information, please visit www.hacanet.org.