SECRETARY BEN CARSON AND MAYOR JEFF WILLIAMS VISIT MISSION ARLINGTON|MISSION METROPLEX
Faith-based organization serves vulnerable populations in the community

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today joined Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams for a visit to the Mission Arlington|Mission Metroplex. The organization offers a wide range of services and products, which are provided free to families: after school programs, summer and sports camps for children, school supplies, dental and medical clinics, counseling services, grief support, bible study groups, groceries, computers, clothing, furniture, bicycles, personal hygiene items, household items, loan of medical equipment, emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, prescriptions and gas, transportation, assistance obtaining different forms of identification, and free events - bringing fun to apartment communities, delivery of family meals during the holidays. During this pandemic, Mission Arlington has provided meal deliveries and cleaning supplies to families impacted by COVID-19.

“I continue to be inspired by what the faith community can do when they come together to serve their neighbor in need,” said Secretary Carson. “Faith organizations like Mission Arlington are essential in our Nation’s efforts to alleviate poverty in our previously forgotten communities and uplift all Americans.”

“Mission Arlington is comprised of thousands of individual volunteers, civic and service organizations along with many businesses, all working together tirelessly to meet the physical and spiritual needs of families that are experiencing all kinds of hardships,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “Mission Arlington distributes vast amounts of donated food, clothing, housewares and furniture, dental and medical services, counseling, and any other services that will help a struggling family. Mission Arlington is led by a true servant leader, Mrs. Tillie Burgin, who has enlisted our entire community to help others in love and kindness, while meeting the ever-increasing needs due to the pandemic. I want to thank Secretary Carson for recognizing the incredible work of Mission Arlington to help eradicate poverty in North Texas, but also to help our citizens in so many ways.”

“It is such an honor for Secretary Carson to walk the grounds with us here at Mission Arlington. For him to feel the heartbeat of those in need and seeing first-hand how a community like Arlington, Texas has come together to help meet their physical, spiritual, emotional and educational needs,” said Tillie Burgin, who serves as the Director of the Mission Arlington|Mission Metroplex. “The message of HOPE is extended to all people, and we are excited to be a part of what God is doing in Arlington, Texas.”

HUD recently introduced its “Mustard Seed Series”, which highlights faith organizations that have successfully created affordable housing, reduced homelessness, or used innovative housing models to serve individuals in need. These virtual, monthly meetings serve as a forum for other faith organizations to learn about the experiences of fellow faith communities and to replicate the successes they have experienced. For more information about the Mustard Seed Series or to RSVP for an upcoming event, please email FaithInitiatives@hud.gov.