HACLA’s CEO testifies at Congressional Field Hearing Regarding the Housing Crisis 

March 28, 2009 – Congresswoman Maxine Waters chaired a Field Hearing to address public and affordable housing needs in the Los Angeles area in connection with the on-going foreclosure crisis, including the impact of foreclosures on homeowners and renters.

Congresswoman Waters said, “Families need stable housing, and during times of economic downturn, many people feel particularly vulnerable and anxious about their housing.  I organized this hearing to bring together those hurt in the housing crisis and those who can help, and to help guide Congress as we take the next steps to help families in their homes and mortgage predators out of the market.”

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles’ (HACLA) President & CEO, Rudolf C. Montiel, was part of the 17 member panel of experts, which included housing and homeless advocates, officials from local government agencies, community and consumer groups, as well as homeowners and renters.

In front of a packed gymnasium at the Los Angeles Southwest College, Mr. Montiel talked about HACLA’s efforts to take on the affordable housing crisis in Los Angeles.  In a written testimony submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity of the Committee on Financial Services, Mr. Montiel addressed HACLA’s focus on acquisition, redevelopment and preservation of affordable housing stock through private and public partnerships.   

In addition to highlighting HACLA’s efforts to tackle the affordable housing crisis, Mr. Montiel emphasized the need for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to adequately fund public housing as well as the Section 8 program.  

Housing Choice Voucher Recipient, Minelle Johnson, gave a poignant testimony about how a Section 8 voucher helped change her life.  Ms. Johnson talked about her difficult childhood; she said she moved from foster home to foster home after living with a mother who was addicted to drugs.  Ms. Johnson described how she found herself homeless with a new-born.  After reaching out to Beyond Shelter, California nonprofit providing permanent housing and support services for homeless families with children, Ms. Johnson received a Section 8 voucher.

“Because I have an apartment of my own that I can afford with Section 8, I can make my dreams and goals a reality. In the future, my dreams and goals are to go to college and major in Interior Design…I want to send my daughter off to college as well, to pursue her dreams and goals,” said Johnson.