Housing Authority of the City of Austin awarded $250,000 to Improve Security for Elderly and Disabled at Downtown Public Housing Site

Austin, TX – May 20, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) $250,000 to improve security and monitoring at Lakeside Apartments, an elderly public housing property located in Downtown Austin.

HACA will use the funds to purchase a security camera system, additional lighting and new fencing at the property, as well as other improvements. Lakeside Apartments is located at 85 Trinity St., adjacent to Lady Bird Lake. The property has seen an increase in crime as new construction and development has occurred in the area. Lakeside Apartments has served low-income seniors and persons with disabilities since its construction in 1967.

“Lakeside is a special property in the heart of Austin,” said HACA President and CEO Michael Gerber. “Unfortunately, all too often criminals prey on seniors and persons with special needs. These security upgrades will help us to protect our most vulnerable residents and allow us to better serve them for years to come. ”

The grant is part of $6 million awarded nationwide by HUD’s Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program. HACA was one of 29 agencies awarded a grant this year through a competitive process. The program supports public housing authorities as they address safety and security threats that pose a risk to the health and safety of public housing residents because ofviolent crimes or property related crimes within the public housing community.

“All Americans should feel secure when they’re at home,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “These grants provide our local partners with new tools to enhance the strength and vitality of their neighborhoods. Now, more families will be able to walk to school, get to work and safely access opportunity.”

About HACA: The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is a public agency whose mission is to cultivate sustainable affordable housing communities and partnerships that inspire self reliance, growth and optimism. For more information, visit www.hacanet.org, or find us on Twitter @hacanet.

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