News Release/News Advisory/Request for Coverage – 09/07/07

Organizations receive Excellence in Affordable Housing Awards

Four Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing were presented August 29 during the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development. 

“The recipients of the Governor’s Awards were chosen for their determined efforts and dedication to providing affordable housing to the people of Missouri,” said MHDC Executive Director Pete Ramsel. 

2007 award recipients included:

Trust Fund Agency of the Year:  Pettis County Community Partnership

In 2006 alone, Pettis County Community Partnership helped more than 200 persons with their housing needs through a grant from the Missouri Housing Trust Fund.  “The Pettis County Community Partnership is a stellar example of an organization committed to making their community a better place to live,” said Executive Director Ramsel. “They help prevent low-income families from becoming homeless and help families who are already homeless secure safe and decent housing.”    

Pettis County Community Partnership is also involved in several other programs that help build a stronger community.  These programs accomplish important goals such as increasing literacy, reducing teen pregnancy rates, improving the quality of care for pre-school age children, and providing affordable and accessible transportation. 

Through their tireless work in various areas of the community, Pettis County Community Partnership has continued to fulfill their mission “to provide opportunities for children and families to assist them in reaching their full potential.”

Lender of the Year:  Paramount Mortgage

Paramount Mortgage has been a valued partner with MHDC in our homeownership program for more than 20 years.  They have consistently ranked among the top MHDC certified lenders in loan production and in quality and timeliness of the loans closed and sent to MHDC.  

“Becoming a homeowner is appropriately referred to as the American Dream.  Homeownership strengthens neighborhoods by giving people a financial stake in their community,” noted Ramsel.  “MHDC is able to assist 2,500 to 3,000 families a year in purchasing their first home through the First Place Program. Without the hard work and dedication of lenders such as Paramount Mortgage, many families would not be able to achieve homeownership.”
 

Rental Housing Production in the Non-Profit Sector:  Northside Community Housing

Northside Community Housing has been serving the North St. Louis area since 1977.  They have developed over 125 low and moderate-income housing units representing $11 million in investment. 

“Northside Community Housing has truly had a positive impact on the communities of the Ville and Greater Ville neighborhoods, said Ramsel.  “Once abandoned buildings are now replaced by new homes and families in need have been provided with a place to live.”

Rental Housing Production in the Private Sector:  Dalmark Development

Dalmark Development’s rehabilitation and transformation of Meadow Ridge Townhomes into the Villas of Autumn Bend has improved the lives of residents and has become a valuable addition to the community of Blue Springs.

Established as a cooperative in the early 1970’s, the development aimed to give residents an ownership interest in their home.  Unfortunately, the cooperative plan failed, resulting in tenants being financially bound to their apartments.  This caused great hardship and it limited residents’ ability to move.

Through difficult negotiations and a unique pooling of resources, Dalmark was able to purchase the property from the cooperative owners.  This gave the former owners the flexibility to move or remain as tenants under the new management.

Tenants that chose to stay were not disappointed with the changes. All units were completely rehabilitated, and the result showcases buildings that have a completely new and modern look.  Residents now feel secure and have developed a quality relationship with local law enforcement since Dalmark partnered with the Blue Springs police department to include a police substation in the rental center.  Finally, the addition of two new playgrounds has been a resounding hit with child residents.       

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