On Dec. 18, the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority celebrates its 62nd Anniversary. Through Public Law 6-135, GHURA was created to administer funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to rebuild homes and redevelop our island’s communities in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Karen’s widespread destruction of Guam on Nov. 11, 1962.
GHURA is not only unique in that it is the only GovGuam agency that is 100 percent federally funded, but it is also the only HUD Public Housing Agency with all of HUD’s programs under one roof.
GHURA’s 62-year legacy includes so much more than providing housing to
thousands of low-moderate income families through our Public Housing Units and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
Many are unaware of the crucial role the community development program side GHURA has played in building and/or improving numerous public facilities and providing needed public services.
GHURA’s community development programs have a footprint from the island's northernmost point to its southernmost tip, including:
Facilities funded under Community Development Block Grants
● DPHSS: Senior Citizen Centers in 11 villages; assistance with the Northern and Southern Community Health Centers; TSA’s Residential Women’s Treatment Center
● GPD: Northern, Central and Southern Police precincts
● GFD: Five Fire Stations in the northern, central, and southern villages
● GBHWC: A receiving home for persons with disabilities
● DYA: Haya, Lagu, and Kattan Youth Resource Centers
● DPR: Dededo Sports Complex Fitness Trail, Northern Pool Complex
● Mayors: three community recreational facilities; one community skate facility; two baseball fields; one basketball court; one sports field; one gym
● GDOE: Headstart classrooms at eight elementary schools; Special Education
classrooms at two middle Schools
● Public Services under its Continuum of Care Programs
GHURA administers programs funded under Community Development/HOME Programs, including:
● Renewal Affordable Homes Program: Provided homes to 34 first-time homebuyer families
● Homeowner Rehabilitation Program: Rehabilitated 138 homes to address critical repair needs
● Astumbo 76 Homes: Constructed 76 new homes within the Astumbo subdivision
● Asan 40 Homes: Built 40 new homes across the village of Asan
● GHURA 500: Provided 500 land leases
● Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DPCCA): Assisted 91 families with down payment and closing costs for their new homes
● Renaissance Affordable Rental Program: Provides affordable rental housing for 10 families in the villages of Merizo and Talofofo
● Urban Renewal: Modernized the villages of Asan, Sinajana, and Yona through infrastructure improvements and community revitalization
● Sagan Bonita Affordable Homes Program: Assisted with providing 43 first-time homebuyer families in achieving affordable homeownership
● Habitat for Humanity of Guam: Assisted 21 first-time homebuyer families to secure affordable homes through the Sweat Equity Program
● Housing Trust Fund Program: In partnership with WestCare Pacific Islands, provided affordable rental options for extremely low-income families
● HOME American Rescue Plan: In partnership with WestCare Pacific Islands, supported individuals and families facing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence, with a focus on supporting veterans
GHURA remains dedicated to fulfilling the Authority’s mission of “Strengthening Families and Building Communities: One Project at a Time.” We welcome everyone to join us in celebrating GHURA this month and the vital role it has played and will continue to play in improving the lives of our island’s families and surrounding communities. Un dangkulu na Si Yu’us Ma’ase. BIBA GHURA!!
Elizabeth Napoli is the executive director of Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority.
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