Cuney Homes Residents Face Unclear Future
Residents of Cuney Homes, Houston’s oldest public housing community, are grappling with profound uncertainty as a planned redevelopment project faces significant delays and changes. What was once a promise of relocation assistance and new housing has devolved into a confusing path forward, leaving many feeling unheard and disregarded.
Houston’s Oldest Public Housing: A Community in Crisis
For years, Cuney Homes has been a challenging place to live. Residents have openly shared their experiences with ABC13, describing a community plagued by violence and a severe lack of basic utilities. “I stay hearing gun shots, I stay hearing the fights, I stay hearing people dying over here,” recounted resident Pauletta Bullock.
Mark Anthony, another longtime resident, emphasized, “We’re not uneducated people, we just happen to be disabled, or down on our luck at the present time,” highlighting the vulnerable position many residents find themselves in.
The Promise of Redevelopment
In 2023, the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) announced a major overhaul of the complex. The plan required existing tenants to vacate for an unspecified period, with the HHA promising assistance for moving or funds to coordinate their own affairs. A crucial part of this initial strategy involved building new apartments ahead of the overhaul, ensuring displaced residents would have immediate housing options.
The vision was to transform Cuney Homes into a mixed-use development, combining affordable and market-rate housing with commercial spaces.
Plans Unravel: A String of Disappointments
However, the initial plans have dramatically shifted, leading to growing alarm among residents. Several anticipated housing projects have either fallen through or ceased to exist. Eyewitness News reported in 2024 that the HHA had purchased land for new housing, but the Houston Chronicle later revealed this land had since been sold and is no longer city-owned.
Adding to the concerns, another complex under construction in the East End, intended for displaced residents, was halted due to a federal investigation uncovering toxic ash on the property. These setbacks have left residents feeling stranded and distrustful.
Original Promises vs. Current Reality for Cuney Residents
| Aspect | Original Plan (2023 Announcement) | Current Reality (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Redevelopment Type | Major overhaul for existing tenants | Mixed affordable/market-rate housing & commercial |
| Resident Relocation Strategy | New apartments built *before* displacement | Projects stalled or canceled; land sold; toxic sites |
| Resident Support | Help with moving or funds provided | Uncertainty, lack of clear path forward |
Concerns of Gentrification
The evolving plans have fueled fears of gentrification among residents. Mark Anthony articulated this sentiment, stating, “Well, it’s basically gentrification, let’s rebuild Cuney homes into a beautiful, ecstatic neighborhood, but let’s shuffle the old out.” This perspective suggests a worry that the redevelopment aims to displace current residents rather than truly rehouse them within an improved community.
What’s Next for Cuney Homes Residents?
The stalled projects and repeated changes in plans have created an environment of frustration and disappointment. Residents feel there is no clear path forward, and their concerns are not being adequately addressed. “They don’t care, they don’t care about us,” lamented Pauletta Bullock, reflecting a widespread sentiment of abandonment.
As the move-out date looms, the future for hundreds of residents in Houston’s oldest public housing community remains deeply uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Cuney Homes?
Cuney Homes is Houston’s oldest public housing community, located in a struggling area. - What was the initial redevelopment plan?
In 2023, the Houston Housing Authority announced a major overhaul requiring residents to vacate, with promises of relocation assistance and new housing built prior to displacement. - Why are residents concerned about relocation now?
Key projects for new housing have stalled or been canceled. Land purchased for resident housing was reportedly sold, and another potential site was found to be contaminated with toxic ash. - Do residents believe this is gentrification?
Yes, some residents, like Mark Anthony, view the evolving plans as a form of gentrification, suggesting existing residents are being pushed out for a new, higher-end development. - Who is responsible for the Cuney Homes redevelopment?
The Houston Housing Authority is overseeing the redevelopment project.
As the situation unfolds, clear communication and tangible progress from the Houston Housing Authority are crucial for the well-being of Cuney Homes residents.
Cuney Homes Residents Face Stalled Redevelopment
