$610.7 million will transform Houston’s Cuney Homes and revitalize the Third Ward, kickstarted by a $50M HUD grant
The City of Houston and the Houston Housing Authority secured a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This transformative grant will be leveraged to fund a $610.7 million comprehensive redevelopment of the historic Cuney Homes and the expansion of affordable housing in the
Third Ward.
From 2020 to 2023, the Third Ward-Cuney Homes Transformation team conducted an inclusive planning process, engaging over 30 partners and community members to develop strategies that address local challenges and leverage neighborhood opportunities. This resident-driven plan focuses on expanding housing capacity, improving access to healthcare, enhancing educational opportunities, and fostering economic growth.
The Choice Neighborhood plan focuses on three key areas:
Housing – Enhance housing conditions by replacing underfunded and distressed public housing and HUD-assisted housing with revitalized mixed-income housing.
People – Enrich the lives of residents in the targeted area by providing access to better employment and income opportunities, health services, and education.
Neighborhoods – Promote neighborhood growth by making physical improvements, creating safe environments, providing access to high-quality schools and attracting positive investments from public and private sectors.
The grant period will run from 2024 to 2032, marking a decade-long commitment to revitalizing the neighborhood. The suite of support services included in this plan are designed to build a stronger, more inclusive neighborhood that honors its history while welcoming future growth and development. This initiative ensures that current residents can thrive and benefit from these improvements, preserving the unique character and affordability of the Third Ward.
Part of the project plan includes doubling the number of households at Cuney Homes from 553 units to 1,115 units, transforming it into a mixed-income community. The expansion will foster a diverse and inclusive community that promotes community growth and reinvestment.
Third Ward-Cuney Homes Transformation Plan
The Third Ward-Cuney Homes Transformation Plan represents a significant milestone in the multi-year Choice Neighborhoods planning process. This comprehensive document, crafted with input from the residents, encapsulates the collective aspirations and vision for Cuney Homes and the Third Ward.
The project plan leverages the original $50 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant from HUD to a total of $610.7 million to redevelop the community. This plan serves as a blueprint for a vibrant and inclusive future for Cuney Homes and the Third Ward.
Together, with the support of local cultural leaders and residents, we are forging a path toward a thriving, equitable, and sustainable community that honors the voices and values of all our residents.