Hispanic Housing Development Corporation Media Advisory

Media Contact:

Jessenia Rodriguez

773-419-8967 (cell)

jessenia@thelarcgroup.com

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL JOINS HISPANIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND NORWEGIAN AMERICAN HOSPITAL TO BREAK GROUND ON NEW VETERANS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON FEBRUARY 12^TH

New four-story, 49-unit, Residential development for Veterans to be located in the Greater Humboldt Park community area, 1045 North Sacramento

Affordable Housing for Veterans to include on-site supportive services, energy star appliances, outdoor patio, and a laundry facility

WHAT:                   Hispanic Housing Development Corporation (HHDC) kicks off its 40^th year of transforming communities by announcing the development of the 65^th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers” Veterans Housing as a new permanent supportive rental housing building for veterans living in the Northwest area of Chicago. The development is to be built on land donated by Norwegian American Hospital, will aim to provide low-income veterans with the opportunity to live in a sustainable area with environmental green amenities and on-site access to supportive services such as mental health services, employment training, and education programming to ensure all residents have an enhanced quality of life.

                                With the support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Alderman Roberto Maldonado of the 26^th Ward, HHDC president & CEO Hipolito (Paul) Roldan and Jose Sanchez, President of Norwegian American Hospital will officially break ground on Thursday, February 12th with more than 100 local community residents and civic leaders at the event.

                                With 40 years of commitment to strengthen Chicago’s economic development and provide support in the revitalization of neighborhoods, HHDC is proud to announce that in addition to the amenities included in the four-story, 49-unit building, the new development will be adjacent to Norwegian American Hospital, which will provide on-site support comprised of a clinical case manager, an asset development coordinator and a part-time clinical counselor.  Norwegian American staff will coordinate services with the tenants and serve as a crucial link to other resources within the hospital and the community.  The 65^th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers” will also be easily accessible to public transportation.

                                About 38 of the 49 units available will be available for veterans whose incomes range up to 60 percent of the area median income, while 10 units will be provided to veterans at or below 30 percent of the area median income. One unit will be set aside for the on-site manager’s apartment. 

                                This is a permanent supportive housing development that requires rental subsidies for prospective tenants because some will be at-risk, homeless or very poor veterans and their families.  The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is the only source for these project-based subsidies and in support of this development was also approved for 49 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers “VASH vouchers.”

                                The development of 65^th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers” Veteran Housing joins HHDC’s long-standing history of providing more than $426 million in development over the last 40 years in 54 distinct projects. The success in the community and economic development is a direct result of the organization’s innovative and collaborative approach for communities in Chicago.  This development is being named after the 65^th Infantry Regiment – Borinqueneers, a famed military unit which has fought in every war since the Spanish-American War of 1898.  During the Korean War General Douglas MacArthur wrote: 

                                “The Puerto Ricans forming the ranks of the gallant 65^th Infantry give daily proof on the battlefields of Korea of their courage, determination and resolute will to victory…  they are writing a brilliant record of heroism in battle and I am indeed proud to have them under my command.  I wish that we could count on many more like them.”

                                In July of last year, the 65^th Infantry Regiment was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal, approved by Congress and President Obama.

WHO:                     Hipolito (Paul) Roldan, President & CEO, Hispanic Housing Development Corporation

                                Jose Sanchez, President, Norwegian American Hospital

                                Billy Ocasio, Chairman, Norwegian American Hospital Board of Trustees                                                

                                Mayor Rahm Emanuel, City of Chicago

                                Roberto Maldonado, Alderman 26^th Ward, City of Chicago

                                Mary Kenney, Executive Director, Illinois Housing Development Authority

                                Members of the 65^th Infantry Regiment – Borinqueneers

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                 

WHEN:                  10:00 a.m. Speaking Program

                               10:15 a.m. Groundbreaking Ceremony

                               **Media call-time 9:45 a.m.

WHERE:                                65^th Infantry Regiment “Borinqueneers” Veteran Housing, 1045 N.

                               Sacramento (Cortez)

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