Lufkin Will Get "Peaceful Haven"

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On January 15, Community Bible Tabernacle broke ground on its third Section 202 multifamily development in Lufkin, Texas, a rural city with 35,000 residents. Peaceful Haven Apartments will provide affordable housing for 11 seniors.

Community Bible Tabernacle - a small, African-American, faith-based organization with strong community ties that was established three decades ago - is building the complex in collaboration with HUD. A Project Rental Assistance Subsidy Agreement with HUD will cover the 11 units.

Seeing the need for better and affordable housing in this rural community, Community Bible Tabernacle pursued and received funding for three HUD-subsidized facilities in addition to Peaceful Haven: Ministry in Action Living Center, a 32-unit, Section 202 property, in 1987; Lewis-Toran Retirement Community, a 16-unit, Section 202 development, in 1997; and Omni Residence, a 15-unit, Section 811 community, in 2002. A centrally located Neighborhood Networks Learning Center serves all four properties and provides computer and technology education for residents.

An outgrowth of the Community Bible Tabernacle is the Lufkin Community Development Team, which has a vision to help revitalize North Lufkin in the areas of economic growth, single-family homeownership and mentoring programs for youth.

Jerry W. Huffman, the District Director for Congressman Jim Turner (D-Texas) praised Community Bible Tabernacle's work for the community at the groundbreaking ceremony. Mayor Louis Bronaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Lynn Torres, and Judge Joe Berry also recognized Gloria Toran, President, Community Bible Tabernacle, for her dedication to community service and made congratulatory remarks. HUD officials participating in the ceremony included Richard H. Wilson, Houston Field Office Director, and Raynold Richardson, Director, Houston Multifamily Housing Program Center.