Houston Housing Authority and U.S. Attorney's Office Making Children's Christmas Brighter

Houston, TX, December 24, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office partnered for its annual Operation Angel Tree which provides low-income children living at HHA properties with Christmas gifts. The U.S. Attorney’s Office chose 60 children whose families could not afford to purchase their children gifts this holiday season. The partnership between the agencies began in 2006 after the U.S. Attorney’s Office received a three year grant to fund the Public Housing Safety Initiative, which focused on combating crime in public housing communities and increasing opportunities for the families living in the communities. After the grant ended in 2008, the agency continued its relationship with HHA by creating Operation Angel Tree in 2009.

“Through their enthusiastic voluntary efforts, employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office have truly embraced the joy of giving,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. “We are proud to be able to support the HHA and other worthwhile organizations in our district through our community relations program.”

Operation Angel Tree has so far provided holiday gifts to over 150 low-income children who would have otherwise gone without on Christmas Day.

“We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their generosity in providing gifts to children living at our properties,” said Tory Gunsolley, HHA President and CEO.

Rebecca Vasquez, a resident at Cuney Homes was among the families to receive holiday gifts for her four children.

“It is a true blessing,” Vasquez said. “I thank you all for doing something that I couldn’t do for my kids. You all have put a smile on my children’s faces. Thank you.”

About HHA:
The Houston Housing Authority provides affordable homes and services to more than 60,000 low-income Houstonians, including over 17,000 families housed through the Housing Choice Voucher Program and another 5,500 living in 25 public housing and tax credit developments around the city. HHA also administers the nation’s third largest voucher program exclusively serving homeless veterans. More information about HHA can be found at www.housingforhouston.com.

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