The public had its chance Thursday to see the upward direction in which Mexico Housing Authority is headed, as executive director and CEO John Afoun unveiled a vision of tomorrow's affordable housing – or better said, the pathway in which to achieve it.
MHA recently established a 5013C not-for-profit subsidiary – called the Mexico Housing Development Corporation – as an avenue to seek more funding for community development and comprehensive housing. In the weeks to follow, officials constructed a permanent sign to seal the partnership, and unveiled it Thursday.
Some 50 or more local citizens – city and county officials, former educators, clergy, businessmen, and housing residents included – withstood the sweltering temperatures to offer their support.
"Vision" seemed to be the operative word of choice among those speaking.
"A community with no vision is stagnant, and will perish," Afoun told those attending. Preserving history, he noted is very important, but to thrive, a community must enable itself "to march on."
MHA's next project is to build 100 senior housing units off Hassen Drive in Mexico. Discussions have also been held about constructing a community center in that area.
"Great things are happening here in Mexico, and things are moving forward," Mayor Virginia Robertson said, as she lauded Afoun's energy and scope. "It's great to have a new set of eyes to look at the community," and see its potential growth.
Others applauding Afoun's energy, and the future of Mexico's public housing, included City Manager Todd Thompson, who said: "It's been 60 years since the adoption of housing ... and there's still work to be done to achieve the original mission. But the city of Mexico is glad to have John as part of the team, and we commend his leadership and vision to help ensure that we don't fall short."
Rev. Linda Edwards said Afoun's energy offers "hope."
In only a few months of his employment, unit upgrades and expansion and refurbishment projects have already been completed, using stimulus funding. And, what dollars were left, were distributed among housing residents – in the form of $5 vouchers – to help stimulate their households as well.
"I'm excited for him, and excited for the community," Edwards added.
"Since being here, I've tried to strive for balance, because part of what we want to achieve is partnerships," Afoun noted, prompting Mexico's newly-named Public Safety Director Chief Susan Rockett to publicly voice her support.
"This is the beginning of a lot of partnerships today, and the department is ready for new doors to be opened," Rockett said. Today's event, she added, "is a downslide for work, and an upward move for achievement."
In addition to the unveiling, a ribbon cutting was conducted for the expansion of the Garfield Community Center, which included refurbishing the kitchen, and the remodeling the stage and service area – also paid for with stimulus dollars. Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce director Dana Keller, presented Afoun with the Chamber's Program Award for the improvements.
The Board members also spoke words of encouragement. However, the guest speaker likely offered the most appealing words.
"The need for safe, secure and affordable housing is still great, and we have an obligation to provide it," Kansas City attorney Shakea L. Lue, told the audience. Lue stood in for her brother, NBA star Tyronn Lue of the Orlando Magics, who was unable to attend the event. Both are natives of Mexico, and remain concerned about the city's success. Noting the 14 percent of those living below poverty in Mexico, and the 100 requests that have been made this month for housing, she added, "Now, more than ever, is the time we need to band together so public housing can help low-income families achieve self-reliance."
Lue challenged those in attendance to "have a stake in their community," and commended Afoun and the Mexico Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for "staying ahead of the curve."
Following the program, guests were invited to view the new additions, and approval rang through the air as each entered the facility. The service area and stage seems brighter, and what once was a galley-like cooking area, is now an airy, counter-filled, all appliance kitchen, with an added serving window and rear entrance. After the tour, cold beverages and a light buffet-style luncheon were served.