HOUSTON, October 22, 2025 — The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) today announced the redevelopment timeline for Cuney Homes, marking a major milestone in the Third Ward Choice Neighborhoods Initiative — a multi-year transformation led by HHA, the City of Houston and more than 30 community partners.
The initiative, supported by a $50 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, is expected to leverage more than half a billion dollars in additional investment to modernize affordable housing, expand opportunity, and preserve the historic fabric of Houston’s Third Ward.
Built in 1938, Cuney Homes is the city’s oldest public housing community. The Third Ward Choice Neighborhoods Initiative will replace outdated units with high-quality, energy-efficient hoes while maintaining affordability for existing residets. Redevelopment will also include improved public spaces, stronger connections to nearby universities, and expanded access to education, employment, and health services.
“This is a long-term commitment to Cuney Homes residents and Third Ward,” said HHA President and CEO Jamie Bryant. “Our focus is rebuilding without leaving people behind— delivering high-quality homes, safer surroundings, and stronger pathways to opportunity through education, jobs, and health services.”
Development Timeline
Development will occur in five phases between now and 2032, beginning with demolition of structures on the east side of the site, followed by construction of new replacement family and senior housing. The plan, developed in partnership with Brinshore Development, is designed to minimize disruption for residents while keeping families connected to schools, transit, and community resources.
Final HUD review and approval of the housing and relocation plans are required before demolition can begin. To avoid delays, predevelopment work is continuing during the federal government shutdown. At this time, HHA does not anticipate any significant impact on the overall redevelopment timeline. Relocation Plan Beginning the first week of November, HHA’s relocation team will begin meeting individually with every Cuney Homes household to create a personalized family moving plan outlining housing options, key dates, and moving assistance. Residents may choose to have HHA handle very aspect oftheir move — from packing materials and scheduling movers to covering deposits and utility fees — or receive a set payment to coordinate their own move.
“Our goal is to make sure every Cuney Homes family understands what’s happening, when it’s happening, and the choices available to them,” said Lynn Henson, HHA’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative project director. “Relocation will be personal and tailored, ensuring we meet the needs of every household.”
Under HUD’s guidelines for the Choice Neighborhoods program, every Cuney Homes resident has a guaranteed right to housing during and after redevelopment. Residents who prefer to return to the community will move into newly constructed replacement units once they are available. Others may choose to use a housing voucher to rent in the private market. The goal is to minimize disruption and move each household only once before they return to their new home or settle in alternative housing that best fits their family.
HHA has scheduled two meetings for Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the One Emancipation Center, 3131 Emancipation Avenue, to review the redevelopment timeline, answer questions, and share information about relocation support and resident services.
