Port Arthur Housing Authority on sequester chopping block

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By Adam Wright - bio | email

PORT ARTHUR -

The Port Arthur Housing Authority is yet another agency that could be hit hard by the federal sequestration.

"That is absolutely devastating, I mean we see families that are in dire conditions... and it's our job, our responsibility to help put a roof over their heads," said Housing Authority executive director Seledonio "Cele" Quesada.

Through its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and public housing units like Lakeview Palms on Gulfway Drive, PAHA helps about 2,500 low-income families put a roof over their heads. But that number could decrease by a couple hundred, Quesada says. He says the sequester could mean a 6% cut in major programs.

"We've been preparing for some time, we understood that this might be a possibility," he said.

Quesada says he may have to furlough several employees, with a 30% cut to his administration budget being a possibility as well. Despite uncertainty over sequestration, what is certain is the motivation at the Housing Authority to continue to help as many people as possible.

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