Hello fellow Housers,
We are proud to announce that the 2025 Houser Awards will be taking place on Wednesday, November 12! It is the special time of year when we gather to celebrate champions of housing justice in our state, and we cannot wait to see you there. This is the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of extraordinary Housers dedicated to expanding affordable and fair housing opportunities for Texans in all neighborhoods and to meet our new Executive Director, Quiana Fisher. We are so excited for you to meet Quiana at this critical time for housing justice in our state, and we are all ready to continue the legacy and mission of this nearly 40 year old organization to achieve housing justice.
Our three awardees this year each exemplify what it means to be a “Houser.” Sharon Underwood is the tenant leader whom other tenants wish to have at their apartment complex. She supports neighbors and tenants at her property and across Texas in navigating the cumbersome process of fighting for their rights and better living conditions. The Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center responded to landlord abuse of the justice system in the pandemic by aggressively defending tenants in eviction court and in the state house. Their hard work has improved the lives of thousands by ensuring the laws are not manipulated. Representative Mary González led legislators in the Texas House to engage on tenant law as a core moral issue in a way not seen at the Capitol in years. She has championed improving conditions for colonia residents throughout her career.
We are also deeply proud to honor co-founder of Texas Housers, Karen Paup, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of dedication to housing justice for low-income communities in Texas and legacy she has left for future generations. Karen’s extraordinary work has led to both the construction and acquisition of countless affordable housing units in Austin dating back nearly 50 years, as well as the continued, intentional public policy development for millions in housing funds. The City of Austin proclaimed June 1, 2023 as Karen Paup Day for serving on task forces, the HousingWorks Board of Directors, and developing affordable housing committees. Karen’s impact is felt all over Texas with her advocacy for residents in colonias and her efforts play an ongoing and valuable role in the fight for housing justice and stability for low-income households.
Join us in honoring the great work these Housers do every day, and support our work at Texas Housers, by attending the 2025 Houser Awards. The luncheon will be held Wednesday, November 12, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Austin Community College Rio Grande Campus, 1218 West Ave. We cannot wait to see you!
To remain a courageous and independent voice for low-income families, we do not accept government funding. Instead, we depend on the support of people like you. Your donation is vital to continue forging a path of equity and justice for fair and dignified housing for low-income Texans.
Secure your ticket for the 2025 Houser Awards by visiting bit.ly/2025ha today! If you are unable to attend, consider supporting our mission to achieve housing justice in Texas with a one-time or recurring monthly donation here.
