During EHA’s first visit to

the congressman’s local of-

fice, the district director

shared that the Edinburg

Housing Authority is the first

in the Rio Grande Valley to

promote educational initia-

tives for residents and build

community partnerships with

the University of Texas-Pan

American.

“...The educational initiatives

being directed at the Edin-

burg Housing Authority defi-

nitely should be modeled,”

said Garza-Reyes.

Due to the success of EHA’s

outreach during the confer-

ence, Executive Director

Ramirez looks forward to

new opportunities for stu-

dents.

“We’re very excited that this

process has opened up so

many doors,” Ramirez said.

“This is going to bring awe-

some educational opportuni-

ties to the kids we serve.”

During this year’s National

Association of Housing and

Redevelopment Officials

(NAHRO) Washington Con-

ference, agency staff went a

step further and took the time

to advocate the agency’s edu-

cational initiatives to various

federal departments.

The NAHRO conference was

held at the Renaissance

Washington, D.C. Downtown

Hotel March 15-18. During

the event, housing officials

from all over the nation at-

tended numerous training

sessions and learned about

the importance of advocating

their work to elected officials

of the 114th Congress.

As a result, with the confer-

ence’s theme in mind

“Building Communities To-

gether: New Leadership and

New Opportunities,” the Ex-

ecutive Director Rodolfo

“Rudy” Ramirez, his admin-

istrative assistant Elizabeth

Rodriguez and two other

members of his staff also took

the time to advocate for the im-

plementation of educational pro-

grams in housing authorities and

seek enriching opportunities for

EHA residents.

Thanks to Rep. Ruben Hino-

josa’s helpful team, in addition

to scheduling a meeting with his

Chief of Staff Connie Humph-

rey, EHA was also able to do an

outreach with officials from the

Department of Education and

the Congressional Hispanic

Caucus Institute (CHCI).

According to Congressman Hi-

nojosa, EHA’s initiatives are so

inspiring that CHCI wants to

provide more opportunities for

the students in housing.

“His (Mr. Ramirez’s) Education

Initiative is so impressive that

the Congressional Hispanic

Caucus Institute is considering

providing an internship in

Washington, D.C. for an out-

standing student,” shared the

congressman.

RODOLFO “RUDY” RODOLFO “RUDY” RODOLFO “RUDY”

RAMIREZRAMIREZRAMIREZ

Executive DirectorExecutive DirectorExecutive Director

BOARD OF MEMBERSBOARD OF MEMBERSBOARD OF MEMBERS

201520152015

“ED” GONZALEZ“ED” GONZALEZ“ED” GONZALEZ

CHAIRMANCHAIRMANCHAIRMAN

ARMANDO BARRERAARMANDO BARRERAARMANDO BARRERA

VICEVICEVICE---CHAIRMANCHAIRMANCHAIRMAN

JOE RODRIGUEZJOE RODRIGUEZJOE RODRIGUEZ

COMMISSIONECOMMISSIONECOMMISSIONERRR

CRIS TORRESCRIS TORRESCRIS TORRES

COMMISSIONERCOMMISSIONERCOMMISSIONER

JUAN GUZMANJUAN GUZMANJUAN GUZMAN

RESIDENT COMMISSIONERRESIDENT COMMISSIONERRESIDENT COMMISSIONER

Main Office

Ciro Trevino

Administration Building

910 S. Sugar Rd.

Edinburg, Texas, 78539

Mon.—Thurs.

8 a.m.—5:30 p.m.

Friday

8 a.m.—12 p.m.

Continued on Page 2

Advocating for ChangeAdvocating for ChangeAdvocating for Change

Staff attends the 2015 NAHRO Washington D.C. ConferenceStaff attends the 2015 NAHRO Washington D.C. ConferenceStaff attends the 2015 NAHRO Washington D.C. Conference

P a g e 2

f bvxvbxvxAware that

technology is revolu-

tionizing and becoming

an important part of our

world, a group of Edinburg

Housing Authority students

participated in the Hour of

Code on Monday, Dec. 29,

2014.

The Hour of Code is a glob-

al movement dedicated to

reach millions of studies in

countries worldwide.

During the event, EHA stu-

Residents and

members of the

Resident Council who

attended this month's

meeting on March 12

were able to enjoy a

healthy homemade

gourmet cooked by

Chef Rafael Zuniga

and four of his

students.

On only a shoestring

budget, the class

prepared a delicious

garden salad,

hummus, baked

zucchini, white

northern beans and

garlic bread for more

than 20 people at the

meeting. Their

cooking was part of the

Edinburg Housing

Authority’s efforts to

promote self-sufficiency,

healthy lifestyles and

education to residents.

“We did all this with $30,”

shared Chef Zuniga who

works as a chef for Cordon's

Taste of Chicago. “And we

were able to do it by using

the same ingredients in all of

the dishes.”

Although the lunch meal was

not the typical choice for

most residents, for resident

Mari Cruz Maldonado the

new food experience was so

good that she plans to cook

similar dishes for her family.

"We may not have had

tortillas, but this was so

healthy and delicious that I

want to make it for my kids,”

Maldonado said with a

smile. She along with

Consuelo Sanchez, Marilu

Diaz and Edith Gonzalez

attended the evening classes

taught by Chef Zuniga at El

Jardin the previous week.

Due to the great turn-out and

feedback of the food, the

chef shared how several

other residents expressed

interest in attending his

cooking classes.

“Although it won’t be easy

working and teaching, I am

going to make time,” Chef

Zuniga shared.

E L R E F L E J O

Continued from the first page...

According to Congressman Hi-

nojosa, Mr. Ramirez’s efforts at

EHA are motivational and will

change the lives of residents.

“Inspiring children to reach for

their goals, and to seek their

dreams, is a God given talent that

Edinburg Housing Authority Ex-

ecutive Director, Rudy Ramirez

truly possesses,” said the con-

gressman.

The congressman also believes

that the initiative will bring new

opportunities for EHA residents.

“His Education Initiative was

formed to open doors, for parents

and children of the housing com-

munity, to pathways that lead to

higher education, STEM field

studies and financial literacy and

how they relate to successful

careers. “

Due to Congressman Hinojosa’s

passion and commitment for

education, he and his staff team

were glad to hear of EHA’s ef-

forts and help the agency during

their time in the nation’s capital.

“We’re very happy to have

helped schedule those

meetings in Washington,

D.C.,” said the district

director.

As a result, the congress-

man greatly commends the

efforts at the Edinburg

Cooking on a Shoestring Budget Cooking on a Shoestring Budget Cooking on a Shoestring Budget

Housing Authority.

“I congratulate Rudy

Ramirez and all of the stu-

dents and parents who are

participating in this excel-

lent program,” Congress-

man Hinojosa said.

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 3 , I s s u e 3

Janice Montemayor a resident from La Posada was recognized for

her excellence during the Hidalgo County Commissioner’s meeting held

Tuesday, March 17 at the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

The recognition came after a motion was carried to approve a resolution

in honor of Ms. Montemayor for being selected as the 2015 Youth of the

Year from the Boys & Girl Clubs of South Texas.

During the meeting, the 18-year-old bravely gave a speech to the

Hidalgo County Commissioners sharing her struggles, achievements and

future goals.

Osvaldo Ramirez Santiago, a student and resident of one of EHA’s develop-

ments, shared his most recent achievement with Executive Director Rodolfo

“Rudy” Ramirez. His love for reading earned him a spot in the elite group

Millionaire Readers Club at his school.

EHA staff and students in the Youth Leadership Association volun-

teered to sell brisket sandwiches at the 2015 Rio Grande Valley

Livestock Show & Rodeo. All of the proceeds of the sales were do-

nated to the HAVE-STR Scholarship to help award scholarships for

students in public housing.

Making a DifferenceMaking a DifferenceMaking a Difference

During spring break, students in the Youth Leadership Association went on a tour of The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The educational trip was part of our agency’s efforts to emphasize and encourage students to become interested in these fields and pursue a higher education. Thanks to UTPA’s Center of Excellence in STEM Education, 13 EHA students participated in hands-on activities and learned about Google Lunar XPRIZE during a screening of Back to the Moon for Good, a 24-minute show in the university’s planetarium on Thursday, March 12.

EHA Students Visit UTPAEHA Students Visit UTPAEHA Students Visit UTPA

YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM: APPLICATION CLOSES APRIL 14, 2015

The Young Scholars Program is a selective pre-college scholarship for high-performing middle school students

with financial need. The program includes academic advising, financial support and a pathway to the founda-

tion’s $40,000 per year College Scholarship.

The application is open to ALL students regardless of immigration status if they meet the criteria:

P a g e 4 V o l u m e 3 , I s s u e 3

Want a $40,000 scholarship for your son/daughter?

Our agency has created the Youth Leadership Association (YLA) to provide students with

an opportunity to become involved in their community and learn important leadership skills

to help them be successful. Students who join YLA have the chance to learn from educa-

tional activities like visiting UTPA and museums and earn community service hours

through volunteer events.

EHA welcomes any housing students 13 to 19-years-old to join YLA. If you have a child

that would like to be a part of the Youth Leadership Association or learn more, he/she can

contact Diego Oros at doros@edinburgha.org or call 956-383-3839.

Join the Youth Leadership Assoc iat ionJoin the Youth Leadership Assoc iat ionJoin the Youth Leadership Assoc iat ion

Selection Criteria

High Academic ability

Demonstrate financial need

Leadership

To apply

3 letters of recommendation

Financial information of last

3 years

There is no application fee and no social security number required

Eligibility

Be a current 7th grader

Mostly A’s and B’s in core subjects

Have a family income under $95,000

Plan to attend high school in the U.S.

If you would like your child to apply for the program and need help or information you may contact Claudia Lemus at

956-383-3839 or visit the website www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/young-scholars.

Would you like to spend a week in Washington D.C.?

Eligibility

Be a current 9th, 10th, or 11th grade student

Demonstrate interest in learning about civic engagement

Need a copy of your transcript showing your grades

No minimum GPA required.

Open to DACA students

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute is an organization dedicated to develop the next gener-

ation of Latino leaders throughout various educational programs.

READY TO LEAD (RDL) PROGRAM: APPLICATION DUE APRIL 17, 2015

CHCI’s R2L NextGen program provides Rio Grande Valley high school students with a chance to

spend a week in Washington D.C. during the summer exploring the city and learning about our na-

tion. The program is completely FREE of charge to students. Travel, lodging, meals and activi-

ties are covered through the organization.

To apply

Visit apply.chci.org to complete your

profile and Rio Grande Valley applica-

tion. Deadline is April 17.

CHCI also offers the following internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students: * Congressional Internship *Public Policy Fellowship * Graduate Fellowship *Scholarship Program

To apply, visit www.chci.org

P a g e 5

Southwest NAHRO Scholarship www.swnahro.org 800-617-2900

shelli@brazosnet.com

Texas NAHRO Scholarship www.txnahro.org 800-617-2900

txnahrobrazosnet.com

HAVE Scholarship Visit EHA for application.

The Edinburg Housing Authority is pleased to announce the following scholarships

for Public Housing and Section 8 High School seniors graduating June 2015.

TUTORING

COMPUTER

ESL

ART

STEM

MUSIC

CLASSES

Kara Shearer Scholarship Application available Feb. 2015 at EHA

Estella Lane Trevino Endowed

Scholarship 956-665-5301

PHADA Scholarship www.phada.org

If interested in applying for any of these scholarships, please call your manager at 956-383-3839. Also contact the financial aid counselors at your school.

IRS tax filing deadline is April 15, 2015. All wage earners—regardless of their immigration status—are required to pay feder-

al taxes.

Immigrants Can File Taxes With ITIN The IRS provides ITINs to undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for an SSN

so they can comply with tax laws. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

(ITIN) is a 9-digit tax processing number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Ser-

vice (IRS).

ITINs are issued by the IRS specifically as a means to pay federal taxes and can

sometimes be accepted for other purposes, such as for opening an interest-bearing

bank account, in employment dispute settlements, or for obtaining a mortgage.

For more information on how to obtain an ITIN call or visit:

IRIS Tax Office

1810 Hale Ave.

Harlingen, TX 78550

(956) 365-5185

BE AN IMMIGRANT TAXPAYERBE AN IMMIGRANT TAXPAYERBE AN IMMIGRANT TAXPAYER

RENT DEADLINERENT DEADLINERENT DEADLINE Due monthly by the 1st, but EHA

gives you until the 5th to pay in full.

There is a $15 late fee for late

payments.

COMMUNITY SERVICECOMMUNITY SERVICECOMMUNITY SERVICE Residents 18+ years old who are not

employed 30 hours or more a week, must

comply with the 8 hour HUD’s

community service requirement.

REMINDERS

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

With more than 65 years of service, the Edinburg Housing Authority takes

pride in providing assistance to those who need it most in the Rio Grande Val-

ley.

As a result, throughout the years we have focused our agency’s efforts and

resources to ensure struggling low-income families with an equal opportunity to

obtain safe, decent and affordable public housing, and thus improve their quali-

ty of life.

But even though we help hundreds of families in need, we realize that to

truly help impoverished residents rise out of poverty and better themselves our

agency has to do much more than providing them with a place to live.

As a result, in addition to providing housing for our residents we have

now made it our mission to promote self-sufficiency throughout the agency and

do everything in our power to help those we serve develop the necessary work

skills and education to succeed and ultimately provide for their loved ones on

their own.

With dedication, integrity and compassion we take pride in helping our

residents each and every day. We believe and ardently hope that through every

family we help we make a difference in the present and someday future of the

city of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley.

Interested in finding out what’s happening at EHA or your development?

Come find out at our next Resident Council Meeting. Meetings are led

by the Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez and residents. Our

next meeting will be:

April 16, 2015 @10 a.m at El Jardin (Snacks will be provided)

Contact your property managers for the complete schedule of days and locations of our next meetings.

RESIDENT COUNCIL MEETINGSRESIDENT COUNCIL MEETINGSRESIDENT COUNCIL MEETINGS

SERVING FAMILIES SINCE 1949

This publication is written and designed by Claudia V. Lemus for the Edinburg Housing Authority.