10400 Detrick Avenue

Kensington, Maryland 20895
(240) 773-9344

www.hocmc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           CONTACT:            Scott Ellinwood

Thursday, September 22, 2005                                                          (240) 773-9061

HOC PLACES 17 GULF COAST FAMILIES IN HOUSING

Katrina Evacuees Find Refuge In Montgomery County

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County announced today that it has successfully placed 17 evacuee families in housing, and is close to securing shelter for 10 additional families.

“It is an achievement that these families now have safe and affordable housing,” said Executive Director Scott Minton.  “My hope is that the plight of these families will raise awareness of the thousands of families in Montgomery County that need housing assistance as well.”  HOC currently administers waiting lists for 17,000 Montgomery County families seeking public housing or a housing choice voucher.

“Our staff has arrived early, stayed late and conducted a donation drive to assist those that we are housing.  I am proud that HOC staff have risen to the occasion and shown such compassion,” said Director of Resident Services Lillian Durham.  “Through staff donations, the agency has been able to provide cookware, linens, household appliances and even department store gift cards to purchase new clothing.”

The families served were routed to HOC in a variety of ways.  Some arrived at the D.C. Armory, where many HOC employees have been volunteering since the first Gulf Coast evacuees arrived.  Some were referred through other County agencies, and a few were referred as friends and relatives of HOC residents and staff.

All of the families have been given temporary agreements, and many have indicated they would like to permanently relocate to Montgomery County.  Temporary agreements require that a resident’s status be reviewed every three months to ensure that household size and income are within program guidelines.

The successful placement effort is the result of collaboration between HOC, Montgomery County Government, the D.C. Housing Authority and the local HUD Field Office.

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