Newsletter of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University
Outreach efforts by Texas A&M's Center for Housing and Urban Development will be enhanced through a strengthened partnership with Webb County, symbolized by the opening of a nutrition center just outside Laredo.
CHUD operates the Colonias Program in the area, serving people in the impoverished, unincorporated and relatively undeveloped villages near population centers along the U.S. side of the U.S.- Mexico border.
Pete Lara, associate director for CHUD's Central Rio Grande Region, said CHUD secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the building, supplementing funding from the Colonias Program, Webb County and the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation.
"Nutritious and healthy food preparation that targets obesity and diabetics will be one of the center's main goals," said Lara.
Through an agreement with Webb County, CHUD will be able to use the building to administer the Colonias Program and its other myriad outreach services. Many homes in colonias lack basic necessities such as potable water, electricity and sewer systems.
Dignitaries from the Texas A&M College of Architecture participated in the Oct. 28 ribbon cutting of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Nutrition and Health Learning Center in Laredo. Representing the Center of Houstin and Urban Development and the Texas A&M College of Architecture were Jorge Vanegas, dean of the college, Oscar Muñoz, CHUD deputy director, and Laura Gonzalez, a CHUD promotora.
- Posted: Dec. 01, 2009 -
