Southern California Affordable Housing Developers Honor Our Best

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 24, 2011:
(issued by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing – SCANPH)

The highlight of the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing’s (SCANPH) housing conference on October 14, 2011 in Los Angeles, Ca., one of the largest affordable housing conferences in the nation, was the annual awards ceremony.

The 2011 “Homes Within Reach” Affordable Housing Awards were presented to Southern California’s top affordable housing developers, financial supporters, advocates, and staff persons. The “Homes Within Reach” awards are the only such peer-to-peer award, where affordable home developers and advocates make the decision, in Southern California.

SCANPH represents nearly 500 affordable home organizations and advocates in Southern California. For a full list of the affordable home projects winners and nominees (and accompanying photographs), please visit www.scanph.org.

2011 HOMES WITHIN REACH AWARD WINNERS

Advocate of the Year
United Neighbors In Defense Against Deplacement UNIDAD, UNITY

“On behalf of the residents of South Los Angeles represented by UNIDAD, we are deeply honored to have received the ‘Advocate of the Year’ award from our allies at SCANPH. In a time of increasing economic insecurity for all, but especially for low income working class communities, we are grateful for the partnerships that will ensure that we will continue to persevere in the fight to preserve and create affordable housing in Los Angeles,” said Paulina Gonzalez, Executive Director of SAJE (Strategic Actions for a Just Economy) a member of the UNIDAD coalition.

UNIDAD is made up of community based organizations, affordable housing developers, community clinics, faith based institutions, students, residents, and labor unions, all working together to preserve and create more affordable housing for low income families in South Los Angeles.

Financial Supporter(s) of the Year
Union Bank

“We are honored to receive SCANPH’s Financial Supporter of the Year award and to be recognized by our peers and customers,” said Annette Billingsley, senior vice president and head of Union Bank’s Community Development Finance group. “Our Community Development Finance team shares this award with the Union Bank Foundation. Together we will continue to support our community partners who advocate for and build the affordable housing that makes a real difference in our communities.”

Staffmember of the Year
Diane Shull, Mercy Housing California

Special Needs Housing Development of the Year
Courtyards in Long Beach, CA. – Clifford Beers Housing

“Clifford Beers Housing tries to improve each community that hosts the supportive housing we build or renovate. It is most gratifying to be recognized by our peers for this effort. Thank you,” says James Bonar, FAIA, Executive Director of Clifford Beers Housing.

Senior Housing Development of the Year
SEASONS in Compton, CA. – LINC Housing

MultiFamily Housing Development of the Year
Ivy Terrace in Los Angeles, CA. – Abode Communities

“We had to overcome major barriers to make Ivy Terrace a success and now we are able to provide affordable homes to hard-working Los Angelinos”, says Robin Hughes, President of Abode Communities. “We’re delighted SCANPH saw fit to bestow us with this award, and equally excited to be recognized amongst our colleagues and friends.”

(honorable mention) Andalucia Family Affordable Apartments, W.O.R.K.S. (Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge and Services) and AMCAL Multi-Housing

Developer(s) of the Year
SRO Housing Corporation and Skid Row Housing Trust

The Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing represents a membership of over 500 affordable housing organizations and individuals who are devoted to preserving and producing affordable housing in Southern California.