HCD and Partners Unveil New Beginnings for the Batres Family in Special Home Beautification Project
February 5, 2025 -- Houston, Texas -- In an inspiring collaboration, the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), alongside the Houston Home and Garden Show and American Furniture Warehouse, has transformed the life of a very deserving Houstonian.
At 66, Mrs. Batres has faced unimaginable hardships, from the loss of her husband to COVID-19 in 2020 after 44 years of marriage, to living in a home that had become unsafe and unlivable. The Batres family home suffered from a caved-in roof, an exposed bathroom floor, and lacked essential heating and cooling. In addition, Mrs. Batres is a full-time caregiver for her son, German Batres, who is an amputee, diabetic, and partially sighted, adding further challenges to their daily lives.
Recognizing the dire conditions of the Batres family's living situation, HCD stepped in to execute a complete teardown and rebuild of their home through its Single-Family Home Repair Program. This initiative not only restored their home but also enhanced its resilience, making it a safe accessible haven for Mrs. Batres and her son.
Assistant Director of the Single-Family Division, Cedrick LaSane, expressed, "This project means absolutely the world that we can give to deserving families, creating a community. This helps revitalize our housing stock as well as provide affordable housing throughout the city."
Thanks to the generous collaboration with the Houston Home and Garden Show and American Furniture Warehouse, a beautiful guest bedroom was designed and furnished, offering a space of warmth and enjoyment for the family and their extended loved ones. Mrs. Batres is one of 297 homeowners who have benefited from the Single-Family Home Repair Program.
During the reveal, both Mrs. Batres and her son, German, were speechless. Overcome with emotions, Mrs. Batres expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the new beginnings they were afforded. “I’m grateful for everybody’s help. I want to thank everybody who physically or financially helped to create the space,” German reflected.
Dee Brown of the Houston Home and Garden Show also shared her thoughts on the collaboration. “Giving back to the Houston community is at the heart of what we do at the Houston Home and Garden Show. Partnering with the City of Houston HCD and American Furniture Warehouse to make this donation was a labor of love. It’s incredible to see the power of collaboration create a meaningful impact for a deserving recipient. We’re grateful to our vendors and partners for coming together to make a difference.”
Individuals seeking to learn more about HCD homeowner resources are encouraged to visit our website at houstontx.gov/housing.
The Houston Home + Garden Show , owned and produced by Marketplace Events, is a vibrant place to discover the country's best new renovation ideas, interesting products, and the preeminent resources for home improvement and landscaping. This year, the event takes place from February 7-9 at NRG Park.
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The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) department makes long-term investments to improve the lives of Houston residents by creating opportunities for every Houstonian to have a home they can afford in a community where they can thrive. Our department will invest approximately $450 million in federal, state, and local funds this fiscal year to construct and maintain affordable homes, reduce barriers to homeownership, support the work of social service providers, build public amenities, and facilitate disaster recovery efforts. Learn more about programs and resources for Houstonians at http://houstontx.gov/housing.
