Hasegawa: We Encourage HUD Secretary-Designate Shaun Donovan to Continue Serving AAPI Communities

For Immediate Release: 

December 15, 2008

Washington, DC – Executive Director of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development Lisa Hasegawa made the following statement today on the Announcement of Shaun Donovan as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Obama Administration:

“National CAPACD congratulates Shaun Donovan on his nomination to be the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and we applaud President-Elect Obama for making such an informed and enlightened choice. 

“We are facing a housing crisis that has displaced or threatens to displace millions of homeowners and renters and threatens the health and vitality of cities and neighborhoods across the country.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development can and should be playing a much more significant role in addressing the crisis but has not been responsive to needs of the diverse communities that make up our nation. 

Mr. Donovan brings the experience needed to lead and reform the agency at this critical time.  He played an instrumental role in launching the Chinatown Preservation Project in New York City, and has worked closely with National CAPACD member Asian Americans for Equality to purchase buildings from the private market to preserve affordable housing.  His experience as New York City Housing Commissioner leads to an understanding of both our immigrant communities and our diverse AAPI communities.   National CAPACD and our member organizations, many that are witnessing tragic losses and suffering everyday,  look forward to working with Secretary-Designate Shaun Donovan and his team to bring about the change we all need.”


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National CAPACD

The National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development is the first national advocacy organization dedicated to addressing the community development, organizing and advocacy needs of the diverse and rapidly growing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities nationwide.  Our mission is to be a powerful voice for the unique community development needs of AAPI communities and to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations to create neighborhoods of hope and opportunity. 

Additional information may be found at http://www.nationalcapacd.org or by contacting