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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