Brownsville Housing Opportunity Corporation

Overview

The Brownsville Housing Opportunity Corporation (BHOC) is a nonprofit organization focused on housing development, construction, and management. As the development arm of the Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville (HACB), BHOC plays a crucial role in providing affordable housing options in Brownsville, Texas.

Organization and Purpose

BHOC is designated as a charitable organization under the IRS classification, and donations to it are tax-deductible. Its primary purpose is to create and maintain affordable housing opportunities for families in the community, addressing challenges related to access to quality housing.

Financial Information

In recent years, BHOC's revenue has been primarily generated from program services, which account for over 95% of their income. This includes funding received from various government and private sources for housing development projects. BHOC manages significant assets to support its housing initiatives, with total assets valued at around $40 million in recent fiscal years[2].

Major Projects and Initiatives

One of BHOC's notable projects is the redevelopment of the Buena Vida Public Housing Site, Brownsville's oldest public housing complex, built in 1938. The site is being transformed with a $56.4 million investment from Housing Tax Credits awarded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). This project includes the construction of:

• 82 senior unit complex
• 80 multi-family unit complex
• 50 supportive housing units in partnership with Friendship of Women, Inc. to provide specific support services.

The redevelopment aligns with the goals of the HUD Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan developed by HACB and residents, ensuring that the new housing meets community needs and provides a safe, supportive environment for families[1][3].

Impact and Community Support

BHOC's projects are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing affordable housing options and supporting community development. The organization collaborates with local leaders and entities, such as the City of Brownsville and state representatives, to ensure that these initiatives support the broader goals of economic and social revitalization in Brownsville[1][3].

Governance and Leadership

The leadership of BHOC includes prominent figures within the community, such as Luis Eduardo Garduño, who serves as the President of BHOC and Chairman of HACB. Other key members include Jesse A. Miller, Vice-President of HACB, and various directors dedicated to furthering the mission of affordable housing and community development[1].

By maintaining its focus on affordable housing and community development, the Brownsville Housing Opportunity Corporation continues to contribute significantly to the social and economic vibrancy of Brownsville.

[1] http://www.fowinc.com/uploads/5/6/2/9/56298147/buena_vida_press_release_final7.30.24.pdf [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/742758007 [3] https://myrgv.com/publications/the-brownsville-herald/2024/08/02/brownsvilles-oldest-public-housing-site-to-get-56-million-makeover/ [4] https://www.brownsvilleha.org/housing/ [5] https://www.hacb.us