Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Thursday the five winners of the 2015 Virginia Housing Awards, which were announced at the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference. The Virginia Housing Awards were given to several organizations and government entities throughout the Commonwealth to recognize their extraordinary efforts to address affordable housing challenges in Virginia.
“Creating a stable place for our residents to live is a key component in our efforts to build a new Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These housing awards recognize outstanding and innovative efforts in crafting effective solutions for the Commonwealth’s complex array of housing needs. I applaud the winners for the great work they are doing.”
The Governor’s Housing Conference is Virginia’s largest and most comprehensive affordable housing event. The three-day event features workshops and sessions designed to help public and private sector representatives develop effective housing solutions in Virginia. Nearly 800 affordable housing advocates, providers and policy makers gather each year at the conference.
“Providing affordable housing for Virginians is critical for creating and maintaining healthy communities and contributing to economic growth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “I congratulate the award recipients and thank them for their efforts to provide housing all across the Commonwealth.”
In addition to the housing awards, the 2015 Outstanding Youth Award winner was recognized for making a positive impact in their community, and the first-ever Blueprint for the Future design competition winners were announced. The Blueprint competition was open to students, amateurs and professionals in the design arena for the design of a home that meets affordability, energy and accessibility. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development partnered with Blueprint partner organizations, including EarthCraft Virginia, Virginia Home Builders Association, Virginia Building and Code Officials Association, Easy Living Virginia and Virginia Housing Development Authority. The winning design is being built as a Habitat for Humanity home in Hampton for a veteran.
Winners of the 2015 Virginia Housing Awards:
| Best Housing Development
|
Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority
Project: Commerce Village
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| Best Housing Program or Service
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St. Joseph’s Villa
Project: Flagler Rapid Re-housing Services
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| Best Housing Preservation/Revitalization Effort
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Albemarle Housing Improvement Program and the city of Charlottesville
Project: Block-by-Block Charlottesville
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| Best Affordable Housing Energy Conservation Effort
|
Community Housing Partners
Project: Grissom Lane Apartments
|
| Best In My Backyard “IMBY”
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Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development
Project: Fairfax County Affordable Dwelling Unit Program
|
| Blueprint for the Future
|
First Place Winner
Christopher Eads
Second Place/Student Scholarship Winner Alex Eitler
Third Place Winner Anthony Ripper
|
| Outstanding Youth Award
|
Bobby Justice
|
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Chris Graham
