Photos: Alina Simone
Laredo-Webb Neighborhood Housing Services
Approximately one third of El Cenizo housing is in poor condition. One of the benefits won by residents in 1998 was $1 million to bring 65 homes to standard condition. These funds were awarded to Laredo-Webb NHS
(left) A boy looks through the window of the new addition NHS is building for his family in Colonia El Cenizo.
While low-income people stream into Laredo each year to fill the hundreds of service sector jobs created by the booming economy, too often there is nowhere for them to live. Since 1991, NHS has responded to the housing crisis by rehabilitating substandard housing, building affordable homes for low-income people with disabilites, and providing homebuyer education and downpayment assistance. Of all the NHS affiliates in the country, Laredo-Webb NHS ranks 5th in housing production, yet they keenly feel the need to do more. NHS is currently in the process of aquiring a 20 unit apartment complex where they will establish a program to help low-income renters become homeowners.
(left, right) NHS rehabilitation crews at work in El Cenizo.
When an accident forced him to retire, Luis Perez sold his truck and for lack of housing alternatives moved in to his 18 wheeler “box” on a lot he had purchased in El Cenizo. Living without a bathroom, running water or utilities, in temperatures reaching upwards of 120 degrees, Perez was still unable to afford a house even after he paid off his lot in 1998. Within six months of turning in his application NHS built him a brand new home.
Luis Perez (74) lived in his truck (below) for 5 years before NHS built him a new home. (left) Perez at home with his wife.
Photo: NHS
Paving the way for people with disabilities
NHS' Six Home Project is a program that helps low-income people with disabilities afford a home designed to meet their needs. Though the sales price for these homes is around $75,000, qualifying families will pay only $30,000 thanks to creative financing arranged through NHS.

(right) Income qualified residents with disabilities are able to purchase these custom modified homes for only $30,000.