On Sept 16, AAHSA housing staff joined almost 200 invitees at HUD headquarters to mark the 50th anniversary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's primary program for providing rental housing for very low-income individuals age 62 or older. The celebration itself was broadcast to HUD field offices nationwide, and featured a film created to honor the occasion, which highlighted AAHSA member, Eliza Bryant Village among others.
The celebration also recognized current and past HUD staff involved with the program over the years including Betty Park, Senior Attorney for HUD, who has worked for HUD for over 50 years and continues to work for the Section 202 program. Called a "national treasure" by First Lady, Michele Obama, she was singled out for special recognition. She was the closing attorney for the very first Section 202 property ever developed in Shreveport, LA.
Click here to view the video. An extended version of the video and a range of materials developed by HUD are expected to be released shortly to assist others in conducting their own celebrations of the program, to help highlight the importance of the Section 202 program in their own communities. For more information about what you can do in your communities to celebrate the Section 202 program, contact Nancy Libson at AAHSA.