Governor McAuliffe announces winners of the 2015 Virginia Housing Awards

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: