BEAUMONT HOUSING AUTHORITY CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY
CITY COUNCIL ISSUES PROCLAMATION HONORING AGENCY
BEAUMONT, TX – The Beaumont City Council will help mark the Beaumont Housing Authority’s 75th anniversary this week by issuing a proclamation honoring the agency for its years of service. The recognition will be given at the City Council meeting scheduled for September 20th at 1:30 p.m.
“The City of Beaumont and the Beaumont Housing Authority have forged a tremendously successful partnership in the effort to provide safe, decent and affordable housing options for our citizens,” BHA Executive Director Robert L. Reyna said. “We have improved the city and improved the lives of its citizens.”
BHA was established on September 23, 1941 to provide safe, decent and sanitary housing for low and moderate income families. BHA operates several programs including the Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Programs. The agency’s housing stock adds up to over 1,100 affordable housing units. Along with the nearly 2,000 vouchers included in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, BHA serves more than 3,100 families each year.
Aside from brick-and-mortar services, BHA ensures the availability of services and programs to help improve the quality of life for residents. BHA offers various programs designed to facilitate skills developments and to promote self-sufficiency.
As a steward of the resources for the community, BHA currently manages over $71 million in assets, and has an annual operating budget of almost $15 million dollars. Over the last five years, BHA has expended more than $80 million into Beaumont’s economy as a direct result of housing and social services programs. Direct and indirect influences include creating jobs by way of construction, modernization and rehabilitation at several developments.
The last financial audit performed by an Independent Public Accounting firm was deemed “unqualified”, which, despite its unusual moniker, equates to a perfect audit. The Housing Choice Voucher Program has been designated by HUD as a high performer, while the Public Housing Program is designated as a standard performer.
BHA also brings quality public and private partnerships to establish or enhance services provided to the citizens of Beaumont. The agency’s infusion of over $9.0 million each year in Housing Assistance Programs generated significant fair market rental income for 500+ private sector landlords. Through partnerships with area social service organizations such as the Spindletop Center, Lamar University, Entergy, Catholic Charities, and other local entities, BHA provides greatly needed social and supportive services to their clients.
