It isn’t every day that a Houser has a day declared in their honor, but Texas Housers’ longtime co-director Karen Paup received the distinction on June 1st. This proclamation from Austin City Council and Mayor Kirk Watson was in recognition of her decades of service both on the Community Development Commission, and for low-income Austinites in general.
“She’s been a leading force behind hundreds of millions of dollars in affordable housing bonds,” said Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, adding “Karen has played an invaluable role in the fight against homelessness and displacement in Austin.” Council Member Chito Vela also recognized Paup’s work in colonias in South Texas, where the two had initially met in the 1990s.
After his own words, Council Member Qadri offered the proclamation on behalf of Austin City Council and Mayor Kirk Watson. After accepting the honor, Paup added “It’s been a privilege to serve on Community Development Commission with so many commissioners dedicated to the mission of the CDC to end poverty, especially through housing efforts.”
We are so very proud of our co-director for this spotlight on her decades of work toward bringing equity to low-income residents of Austin and beyond. Congratulations Karen!
