John Rebchook is a former Rocky Mountain News reporter with more than 30 years of experience in writing and communications... Housing Colorado today announced its 2009 Eagle Award winners and People’s Choice selection at their recent 21st Annual Housing Colorado NOW! Conference.
Selected from 19 nominees by an appointed committee of industry leaders, this year’s recipients “exemplify the passion, cutting edge approaches and collaboration key to overcoming residential housing challenges in our state,” according to Housing Colorado, which represents more than 5,000 people dedicated to providing affordable housing in the state. Housing Colorado had its annual meeting about a month ago in Breckenridge.
With a critical shortage of affordable housing options, growing waiting lists for subsidized rental units and an increasing need for short-term emergency assistance, the innovative achievements of this year’s Eagle Award recipients demonstrate the drive and innovation necessary to address Colorado’s growing housing needs.
The winners of this year’s Eagle Awards are:
Geese in formation represent my philosophy for running an organization. Geese fly in a “V” formation with the lead goose breaking the wind for the rest. After he tires, he retreats to the back and another leader comes forward.”, 2009 Eagle Award (Individual) and 2009 People’s Choice Award
A long time advocate for the under-served, Sister Murphy has dedicated 25 years to helping those less fortunate. She is responsible for opening Larimer County’s first soup kitchen, homeless shelter and nonprofit affordable housing agency. Her latest project is The Hand Up Cooperative, helping the homeless find employment.
, “For each of my projects, I could give you at least five people who should be recognized,” Sister Murphy said. “Geese in formation represent my philosophy for running an organization. Geese fly in a “V” formation with the lead goose breaking the wind for the rest. After he tires, he retreats to the back and another leader comes forward.”
Aromor Apartments, 2009 Eagle Award (Property)
Developed by Mercy Housing Colorado in collaboration with Denver’s Road Home, the Aromor provides 66 single-room occupancy units for chronically homeless and at-risk residents. The Aromor is a historic three-story building built in 1927. The Aromor integrates permanent housing with supportive services provided on site, including counseling and case management.
“Developing the Aromor Apartments was a labor of love for Mercy Housing Colorado. We had the support and partnership of over 20 other agencies so that, together, we could create a home for over 66 formerly homeless people in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. To be recognized by our peers and Housing Colorado is truly an amazing honor.” Jennifer Erixon, President, Mercy Housing Colorado.
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver’s Altura Solar Community, 2009 Eagle Award (Property)
The Altura Solar Community is the latest example of HFHMD’s use of innovation and partnerships to make homeownership a reality for families earning less than $38,000/year. The 11 homes equipped with renewable energy solar panels, tankless water heaters, custom cabinets, attached garages and brick exteriors transformed the lives of 45 residents and hundreds of volunteers.
“With so many amazing housing projects completed throughout Colorado last year, we’re honored and humbled that our 11-home solar community was awarded the prestigious Eagle award. At Habitat for Humanity, we are very proud of the green building practices we implement and are fortunate to collaborate with many different individuals and groups within our community to achieve our mission,” said Heather Lafferty, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver
San Luis Valley Farmworker Housing Corporation, 2009 Eagle Award (Program)
Since 1998, the San Luis Farmworker Housing Corp. has developed 279 units of housing for farmworkers. They also provide a comprehensive program of educational opportunities that seek to enhance economic, educational and social opportunities for residents of their communities.
“We’ve given our residents a safe, warm place to live so that they can begin to build better futures and created a sense of community for them. The classes, services and programs we offer make a huge difference in their lives, so without having to worry about keeping a roof over their heads they can focus on learning and growing. Without the housing and services we provide, they would still be living in substandard and probably overcrowded housing with no hope for growth or moving on and up from there – just more of the same every day, every year. We give people a path they can follow to a better future,” Raymond Hurtado, San Luis Valley Farmworker Housing Corp.
For more information: Housing Colorado’s Affordable Housing Gallery.
