CSH Honors Excellence in Supportive Housing at Eastern Region Supportive Housing Conference
Individuals, Agencies and Developers Advancing Supportive Housing Solutions Honored for Their Contributions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 3, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Philadelphia, PA – At a gathering today of 300 supportive housing industry leaders from across the Eastern Region, CSH recognized outstanding individuals, community organizations, government agencies and supportive housing developers who are setting the bar for supportive housing solutions for the most vulnerable in their own communities. “The recipients of our Eastern Region Supportive Housing Awards represent the most dedicated and innovative individuals and agencies, who ensure that housing solutions are available for those who need it most,” said Ryan Moser, Managing Director of the Eastern Region for CSH. “It is exciting to see the supportive housing industry evolve and elevate to a new level and today’s honorees represent where we are and where we are headed as an industry.”
Supportive Housing Champion, Agency – Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) received the 2014 Eastern Region Supportive Housing Champion Award for an agency in recognition of their extensive efforts to expand access to supportive housing through a creative and persistent focus of Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Through increased prioritization of capital resources through the Commonwealth’s qualified allocation plan, PHFA was able nearly quadruple the number of units set aside for special needs populations across the state from 2012 to 2013.
Supportive Housing Champion, Individual -Barbara Geller received CSH’s 2014 Eastern Region Supportive Housing Champion Award for an individual in recognition of her tremendous contributions to supportive housing in the State of Connecticut, her tireless dedication to people with behavioral health disorders in need of supportive housing and her innovative spirit as a public servant. Ms. Geller is the Director of Statewide Services at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) in Connecticut. During her tenure, DMHAS has supported the creation of over 2,500 units of supportive housing across Connecticut. Ms. Geller demonstrates daily that a strong belief in the right that all individuals should have decent, safe and affordable housing with the services they need to maintain their independence can move mountains.
Advocate of the Year – Shannon Nazworth has received CSH’s 2014 Eastern Region Advocate of the Year Award in recognition of her work to promote supportive housing for high-need and chronically homeless individuals in Jacksonville, Duvall County, and the State of Florida. Through her work , Shannon Nazworth as proven to be a true advocate using her talent, position, and tenacity to develop supportive housing solutions for some of Florida’s most vulnerable residents.
Scattered Site Project of the Year – Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, received CSH’s 2014 Eastern Region Project of the Year Award for a scattered-site initiative in recognition for an exceptional and efficient design and implementation of MeckFUSE, a frequent user initiative targeting people with cyclic pattern of jail and homelessness. CSH applauds MeckFUSE, Community Support Services, and Urban Ministries Center for demonstrating that thoughtful planning and high standards can drive amazing results.
Developed Project of the Year – CAMBA Gardens, Phase I – Brooklyn, New York, is a 209 unit LEED Platinum, transit oriented, affordable and supportive housing new construction development located on the Kings County Hospital Center campus in Brooklyn. Developed by CAMBA Housing Ventures, a non-profit Brooklyn based affordable housing developer; CAMBA Gardens provides affordable housing and on-site social services for individuals and families including those who are formerly homeless, with special needs exiting New York City’s shelter system. CAMBA Gardens is an innovative project featuring the first of its kind partnership utilizing surplus hospital property for supportive housing development.
The Developed Project of the Year category was announced live at today’s conference. The three finalists in this category represent efforts happening across all levels of government to provide housing opportunities in the effort to end homelessness. Runners up Navy Green (Brooklyn, NY) and Valley Brook Village (Lyons, NJ) are two outstanding projects housing formerly homeless Veterans. Valley Brook Village is the first supportive housing project in the nation to be completed on a Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center campus using an enhanced use lease for site control.
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About CSH CSH transforms how communities use housing solutions to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people. We offer capital, expertise, information and innovation that allow our partners to use supportive housing to achieve stability, strength and success for the people in most need. CSH blends over 20 years of experience and dedication with a practical and entrepreneurial spirit, making us the source for housing solutions. CSH is an industry leader with national influence and deep connections in a growing number of local communities. We are headquartered in New York City with staff stationed in more than 20 locations around the country. Visit csh.org to learn how CSH has and can make a difference where you live.
Contact Taryn Boland 212-986-2966 x 238
