SR. TERESA AUAD SPOKE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN INDIANTOWN

       Five hundred additional affordable houses are needed just to house present families in need of housing in Indiantown, according to Sr. Teresa Auad.  Auad, who spoke at the August 3, meeting of the Martin County Democratic Club, has worked with migrant/farm workers in Indiantown since 1983.

       "A major problem in Indiantown," she stated, "is that to buy a home families must be legal immigrants, but many are illegal.  We need President Bush to give amnesty to illegal immigrants so they    may become eligible for bank loans."

       Sr. Teresa was recently instrumental in Indiantown Nonprofit Housing and InDios buying Heritage Park where they plan to build 97 modular homes.  Already they have 50 current owners of older homes lines up to buy there, opening up their older homes for rental.  She noted that, with the $170,000 "affordable" homes that some are building in Indiantown, it will take two families to purchase a home, and "friendly" banks are needed for financing.

       She praised Indiantown families for their ability to save money by eating beans, driving old cars, etc., but most of those families make minimum wage or below and still can't save enough to buy a home.  They need sponsors to provide $25,000 toward the down payment, as well as SHIP  money from Martin County.

       Asked what she would do if land prices in Indiantown become too high to develop affordable housing, she replied that she would pray.  She agreed that affordable housing is a problem nationwide.

For information contact:
Louise Cunha, President
Martin County Democratic Club
772-286-1281
Home