Contacts:

WASHINGTON D.C. – (August 8, 2002) – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton speaks at La Clínica del Pueblo today as HITT Contracting begins a $1.2 million renovation. Construction will commence largely due to a $900,000 grant from the District’s Department of Housing and Community Development. La Clínica del Pueblo, located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C., provides free, comprehensive healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured Latino immigrants and others in need throughout the metropolitan area. Renovation will be complete in early December.

The 12,000 square foot renovation of the new site for La Clínica del Pueblo, located at 2831 15th Street, N.W., will significantly increase the clinic’s capacity. The addition of more exam rooms and office space, as well as expanded meeting facilities, will be a great improvement on the clinic’s current location at 1470 Irving Street, N.W.

“This marks a cornerstone in La Clínica’s 20-year history; thanks to the vision and collaboration of Mayor Williams and Councilmember Jim Graham, La Clínica is realizing its dream of a new home,” said Dr. Juan Romagoza, La Clínica’s Executive Director.

The three-level building is scheduled to receive extensive demolition with new concrete, masonry and glass. System upgrades include new HVAC, electrical and service, as well as completely new plumbing and pipelines. Installation of a new stop single-car hydraulic elevator will further increase the clinic’s ability to support the healthcare needs of those with disabilities.

“I’ve had the privilege to see the rapid growth of La Clínica over many years. This next phase in our community outreach brings us to a critical juncture that will enable us to provide even more professional, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate care,” added Dr. Peter Shields, president of La Clínica’s Board of Directors.

Located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, La Clínica provides comprehensive healthcare services to over 4,500 individuals annually. 86% of La Clínica’s clients are originally from Latin America. The vast majority have no health insurance, are more comfortable speaking Spanish, and have incomes below the poverty level.

About La Clínica del Pueblo
La Clínica del Pueblo is the only bilingual, bicultural nonprofit health clinic providing free, culturally appropriate, and comprehensive health care and education services to the Latino community and others in need in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Formed in 1983 in response to the needs of new immigrants arriving from Latin America, La Clínica del Pueblo now serves over 4,500 clients annually through a range of services, including primary and specialty care, HIV/AIDS services, mental health care, interpreter services, social services, health education, and advocacy.

About HITT Contracting Inc.
HITT Contracting was founded in 1937 and has grown to be ranked today among the 100 Largest General Contractors in the United States, with offices in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Charleston, and Baltimore. HITT Contracting provides award-winning turnkey construction services from changing a doorknob to complete delivery of headquarter facilities/campuses. The company has more than 600 employees, including a 325-member, skilled in-house field force available to fulfill the requirements of their expanding base of repeat and new clients. Their $410 million volume in 2001 comprises today's leading market sectors, including corporate base building and interiors, law firms, technology, biotech, institutional, government, aviation, and healthcare. For more information, please visit www.hitt-gc.com.