El Paso Housing Authority’s massive move underway

The Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, HACEP, finished moving over 240 families from the Alvarez community in the Lower Valley. The families will be relocated to other units in the area in order to allow for the renovations of their homes to begin.

“We are rebuilding all the public housing in El Paso. We are going to revitalize and revamp everything. From being tired old building to being vibrant safe new building,” said CEO for HACEP – Gerald Cichon.

Over the next three years, more than 6,000 public housing units will be renovated around the city of El Paso. The massive construction project could cost up to $1 billion, but Cichon added, with “no cost to the taxpayers not only to the residents. This is all being done through a public partnership.”

Cichon says that they are moving over 5,000 families to do the construction.

Many of the residents are anxious about the move.

Ana Navarro, who has been a resident for 35 years, says ” I just want to get it over with and rest.”

Others are curious about the future.

“It is a new change, we will se how it goes and if it gets any better,” say Alejandra Cruz, a five-year resident.

The renovations will include refrigerated air, energy efficient appliance, insulation and new landscaping.

Families that were relocated on Friday will have the option to return in six to 12 months.

HACEP is trying their best to avoid making any children change schools during their relocation period, and currently, they have been successful in doing so. Out of the 270 families that have already moved, none have had to change schools.