Non-profits applaud state’s affordable housing agency for expanding affordable housing opportunities for Florida’s most vulnerable citizens
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 16, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) was recently awarded “State Agency of the Year” by the Florida Supportive Housing Coalition (FLSHC) and the Florida Coalition for the Homeless (FCH) during their Third Annual Statewide Housing and Homeless Conference last month in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
Florida Housing won this prestigious award for exemplary leadership in expanding housing opportunities to all Floridians, and raising awareness regarding housing needs of Florida’s most at-risk citizens and those with special needs.
“The Florida Supportive Housing Coalition is pleased to recognize Florida Housing Finance Corporation for its efforts to produce housing for our state’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Shannon Nazworth, executive director for Ability Housing of Northeast. “In the past year they worked diligently to preserve housing for special needs and homeless households; instituted the Special Needs Housing Initiative; and recognized the need to house those most at risk in their strategic planning process. The Corporation is to be commended for the progress made to date to increase the supply of housing for Floridians with the greatest need. We look forward to continuing this progress into the future.”
Florida Housing Executive Director Steve Auger accepted the award on behalf of the entire Corporation staff and he was honored and humbled to receive such recognition. “It is the combined effort of all housing providers, advocates, developers and Florida Housing staff that helps us continue to make housing affordable and accessible for all Floridians. We thank the Supportive Housing Coalition and the Coalition for the Homeless for this prestigious honor.”
The conference highlighted best practices that benefit individuals needing supportive housing or experiencing homelessness, and focused on learning new and innovative ways to collectively assist individuals and families re-entering the community. Moreover, the conference also addressed supportive housing issues such as: young people exiting the foster care system; veterans returning from service abroad; persons with disabilities transitioning from facilities or institutions; and senior citizens leaving hospitals or those moving from shelters, the streets, or other places unsuited for regular habitation to permanent housing.
