NeighborWorks® Honors Achievements in Affordable Housing and Community Development at Federal, State and Local Level

NeighborWorks America logo

August 1, 2005
Contact: Bill Grassano: 202-220-2360

“These five individuals have shown unwavering commitment
andfocused dedication to affordable housing.”

Washington, D.C. –Rep. David Price (D-NC); Rep. Robert Matsui (Rep. Matsui is awarded posthumously); Robert Morgan, Program Director, Montana Board of Housing; Gloria Rendon, Superintendent of Santa Fe, N.M., schools; and Martin Lujan, Board of Education President, Santa Fe, N.M., will receive top honors from NeighborWorks America for their leadership in expanding the affordable housing supply for low- and moderate-income families and strengthening communities. [View biographies of award winners.]

The five honorees will receive the NeighborWorks Government Service Award at a ceremony August 23 and held during the NeighborWorks Training Institute in Washington, D.C. – the largest “school” for homeownership and financial fitness educators and community developers in the nation.

The NeighborWorks America Government Service Award seeks to identify, promote and reward outstanding political leadership that has expanded affordable housing and strengthened communities.

“These five individuals have shown unwavering commitment and focused dedication to affordable housing," said NeighborWorks America CEO Kenneth Wade. "As a result of their sustained commitment to affordable housing, many people who may not have been able to buy a home of their own have attained the goal of homeownership.”

More than 235 NeighborWorks organizations located across the country submitted nominations for the federal, state and local NeighborWorks Government Service Awards. The submissions were evaluated on the basis of achievements in four areas:

Public policy leadership
Education and public awareness initiatives
Increased collaboration and efficiency among government entities
Innovative programs that strengthen communities and/or expand the affordable housing supply.

The award recognizes that all levels of government are involved in expanding affordable housing and strengthening communities. “Quality, affordable housing requires solid leadership at federal, state and local government levels,” Wade said. “Political leaders, like Rep. Matsui and Rep. Price and local officials like Mr. Morgan, Ms. Rendon, and Mr. Lujan recognize the multiple dividends paid through affordable housing in the form of improved safety, increased property values, economic development and job retention, better schools and more civic involvement.”

Wade commended the award winners for understanding the far-reaching impact of housing issues on individuals, the local economy and the entire nation. For every dollar spent on quality, affordable housing, at least ten dollars are returned in the form of job creation, increased independence and tax contributions, new businesses, and access to higher education. “The work of these individuals will pay dividends well beyond their years,” Wade noted.

About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America provides financial support, technical assistance and training for communities across the nation, including the NeighborWorks network—a nationwide network of more than 235 community development organizations working in more than 2,700 urban, suburban and rural communities across America. These organizations engage in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives. In the last five years alone, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $8.5 billion in reinvestment and helped more than 500,000 families of modest means purchase or improve their homes or secure safe, decent rental or mutual housing.