The Housing and Community Development Department joined the Zieben Group and local and regional officials to celebrate the grand opening of the Gulf Coast Arms Apartments, a 160-unit affordable rental community in October. 

Looking to purchase a home?  The city’s Homebuyer Assistance Program provides assistance to qualified low-to-moderate first-time homebuyers in the City of Houston with a household income at or below 80 percent of the city’s median income. 

The Homebuyer Assistance Program also assists qualified applicants with a total household income up to 110 percent of the city’s median income.  The application process is open to the public, and assistance is provided on need and a first-come, first-serve basis.

For additional information, please visit our website: www.houstontx.gov/housing/hap or call: 832.394.6200.   

The Settegast community received new life and new hope with the expansion of 138-unit multifamily community, known as, Villas at Colt Run located at 7600 E. Houston Road.  This site was previously an abandoned, partially completed, dilapidated apartment complex for several years. 

Villas at Colt Run offers the following amenities: spacious one, two and three bedroom units; accessible units for mobility such as hearing and sight; fitness and business centers; playground; swimming pool, conference room and community club room.   The property is 100 percent preleased with a temporary waiting list. 

The HCDD Director Neal Rackleff joined CM Jerry Davis, community residents and representative from LDG Development, LLC for the official ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 18.  The project was supported by a $3 million investment of federal HOME Investment partnership funds.  Total cost of project is $18,073,789. 

Once declared as a food desert, South Union Community now has a new source of nutrition in the neighborhood. Pyburn’s Farm Fresh Food store, 7125 Scott Street, opened its doors to the community on Friday, July 31, when city of Houston leaders cut the ceremonial ribbon. 

Mayor Annise Parker, Council Member Dwight Boykins, Housing and Community Development Director Neal Rackleff, HUD Officials, Houston Redevelopment Authority and owner, John Vuong gave brief remarks.

Pyburn’s store offers fresh fruit, vegetables, an a large array of meats such as: boudain, seasoned pork chops, marinated pork riblets, marinated chicken wings and smothered chicken to name a few. The store has employed more than 40 jobs to residents of the community.