Harlingen Community Development Corporation

About Us

The Harlingen Community Development Corporation (HCDC) was incorporated and chartered as a Texas non-profit corporation on January 16, 1990. HCDC was initially created with the assistance of the Community Development Advisory Board. It was organized as an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exemption organization on April 2, 1992. HCDC is governed by a nine member Board of Directors who serve without compsensation.

Our Mission Statement

"Harlingen Community Development Corporation is a community based development organization in the business of planning, developing, implementing, and promoting economic development for affordable housing opportunities for families and individuals in urban and rural communities in Texas. "HCDC is dedicated topromoting a better quality of life and the fulfillment of the American Dream."

Pimary Objectives

HCDC serves low and moderate income families and individuals through "affordable housing" loan programs which meet the housing needs of the targeted population via the constructions of safe, decent, and affordable housing and financing; Create community housing reinvestment strategies in conjunction with local leaders and the City of Harlingen that develop viable housing partnerships which address community housing needs; Develop public/private partnerships that are conductive to the economic well being of the target area and market.

Main Activities

The main activities of the HCDC are: to provide housing opportunities to low and moderate income residents in the city.

Primary Services

The Primary services HCDC provides are: To manage and implement affordable mortgage loan programs financed through a variety of public/private partnerships; Serve as the designated Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) for the city and as certified by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA); Provide housing opportunity information and refferals; Conduct housing counseling to eligible borrowers; Coordinate and facilitate all construction activity.

Private and Public Financial Partnerships

HCDC is proud of its ability to attract private financial support and assistance for the implementation of our programs. HCDC has served as catalyst in the creation of viable financial partnerships to maximize financial resources and serve a larger number of families. Its financial partnerships include such local banks and national intermediaries as:

LENDER/INTERMEDIARY	LENDER/INTERMEDIARY
Bank of America	River Valley Bank, F.S.B.
Chase Bank of Texas	Rural Development & Finance Corp
International Bank of Commerce	USDA/Rural Development
Texas State Bank	Zavala County Bank
The Enterprise Foundation	Valley Mortgage Company

HCDC has also developed a strong partnership with other local and national non-profit organizations, such as:

· Amigos Del Valle, San Juan, Texas
· Cameron /Willacy Rural Development Office
· Center for Economic Opportunities, Alamo, Texas
· Colonias Del Valle, Pharr, Texas
· Housing Assistance Council, Albuquerque, New Mexico
· FNMA Border Region Partnership Office Advisory Council, San Antonio, Texas
· Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Houston, Texas
· National Community Reinvestment Association, Washington, D.C.
· Rural Development & Finance Corporation, San Antonio, Texas
· Sister of Charity of the Incarnate World, Houston, Texas
· Texas Association of Community Development Corporations, Austin, TX
· Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs, Austin, Texas
· The Enterprise Foundation, San Antonio, Texas

Since its inception in 1990, HCDC has been receiving Community Development Block Grant funds from the City of Harlingen entitlement program. These funds have been allocated for administrative/operational and construction activities. In 1995, HCDC began the City's HOME Program and has successfully implemented the program for the last five (5) years.

HARLINGEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Board of Directors

HCDC is governed by a seven member Board of Directors composed of individuals dedicated to the investment of time and expertise for the production of affordable housing and community reinvestment projects.

DORA J. ELLIS, CHAIRMAN
Ms. Ellis is currently employed with the City of Harlingen Housing Authority. As the ROSS Coordinator, she implements the self-sufficiency program. Her experience includes the implementation of rural housing programs via TDHCA Weatherization Program and the Rural Economic Development, formerly FmHA Housing Programs. She has also worked in real estate sales through a private developer. Ms. Ellis is active with local church groups.

REV. TADEO CANO, VICE-CHAIRMAN
Rev. Cano is involved in community and church groups. He is the current Pastor of the Iglesia Envagelica del Principe de la Paz Church.

NORMA Z. MORALES, SECRETARY
Ms. Morales is currently with the firm of Hales Bradford & Allen, Certified Public Accountants & Business & Tax Consultants, as a C.P.A. Her civic involvements include: Current member &Treasurer of the San Benito Literacy Center, Inc. Member & Treasurer of the Downtown Lions Club-Brownsville, past officer of the Council on Adoptable Children Cameron County, Host Volunteer for the past four years, Burns Elementary School, Board Member Family Crisis Center.

JOHN L. CARRINGTON, TREASURER
Mr. Carrington is an Attorney at Law, licensed for 20 years, in practice for 17 years. He is knowledgeable in many areas of the law and also has knowledge in real estate as a result of his law practice. His civic involvements include: Sate Bar of Texas, Cameron County Bar Association, Hidalgo County Bar Association, Family Crisis Center, and Cameron County Pro Bono Program.

ROBERTO VEGA, MEMBER
Mr. Vega is retired. His previous employment includes being a sales representative for a local lumber and development company. Currently, Mr. Vega operates an antique furniture store and is a licensed realtor (inactive) in the affordable housing arena.

PAULA VARGAS, MEMBER
Ms. Vargas is a Licensed Child Care Provider. Her civic involvements include: Current member of the Harlingen Proud Board, Kiwanis' Mother, and Host Volunteer for the past four years.

ALBERT CAVAZOS, MEMBER
Mr. Cavazos is retired. He is a member of the American Legion and V.F.W., and D.A.V. Veterans Organizations. Mr. Cavazos is knowledgeable in the Real Estate Sector.