Release: Three Neighborhoods Illuminate Streets After Long Struggle

August 28, 2023

Three neighborhoods, united since 1995, triumphantly secure public lighting after years of determination and collaboration with LUPE.

For nearly three decades, these neighborhoods persevered towards a shared objective. Their journey, which began in 1995, faced regulatory obstacles that prevented the realization of public lighting. After breakthrough efforts  in 2015 involving LUPE and ARISE, Hidalgo County Commissioners unanimously adopted a county colonias streetlights program. The vote was a product of the passage of earlier  TX legislation that removed the final hurdles to systemic installation of streetlights in colonias. After three decades of organizing, Iowa Gardens steps out of the darkness and into the light. 

What: Celebrating the public lighting given to Iowa Garden 1, 2 and 3. 

When: Monday, August 28th, 2023 starting at 6:30 PM CDT 8:00 PM CDT

Where:1813 Jasmine St. Edinburg, TX 78542

Who: La Unión Del Pueblo LUPE Members, Iowa Garden 1, 2, 3 residents 

Visuals: The community gathers under newly installed streetlights. As we celebrate a three decade accomplishment. Words shared with another, speeches given and a meal shared. 

To arrange virtual or in person interviews contact Ramiro Gonzalez, LUPE Communications Coordinator, at (956) 360-4277 or ramirog@lupenet.org. Interviews available in English and Spanish.

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LUPE is a nonprofit organization that helps the community organize for and win a better quality of life. LUPE was founded in 1989 by farmworker and civil rights leaders Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta. We are a membership-based organization and our strength is found in the participation of our over eight thousand members.