2013 HAND Housing Achievement Awards BEST GOVERNMENT HOUSING INITIATIVE My HOME Program, Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development
On March 7, 2011, the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) launched the My HOME program for first time homebuyers. This exciting program uses funding provided by the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) to provide homeownership assistance to low and moderate income buyers to purchase residential properties anywhere in Prince George’s County, MD. In order to minimize the likelihood that the home will subsequently go into default or foreclosure, the My HOME program also has underwriting standards regarding maximum monthly debt burden, refinancing, and a prohibition for adjustable rates and balloon payment mortgages. The My HOME Program is implemented in partnership with over 50 participating lenders, the Prince George’s County Association of Realtors and HUD certified housing counseling agencies. Congratulations to the My HOME Program!
2013 HAND Housing Achievement Awards Innovation vPoint, Views at Clarendon Corporation
vPoint’s innovation stems from the combination of three unique attributes— its mixed-uses, its environmental attributes, and its dedicated partners. This project’s success is evidenced by the nine-year journey to overcome neighborhood resistance and financial challenges to see affordable housing brought to a high-cost community in need of housing for all incomes. The successful completion of the project was a testament to the many partners who never gave up the dream of affordable housing in this high-cost area. vPoint’s much-needed, transit-oriented affordable housing complements and enhances nearby revitalization and redevelopment initiatives, helping to ensure Arlington’s future is affordable for all. Congratulations vPoint!
2013 HAND Housing Achievement Awards BEST PARTNER Michael Wiencek
Michael Wiencek is the President of Wiencek + Associates Architects + Planners, an architectural and planning firm that uses design to empower people and transform lives. He has a passion for making positive change in people’s lives. As Michael put it himself, “In our housing projects, many of our residents have lived in sub-standard housing all their lives. The children who occupy these spaces often live in conditions no one should have to live in. When we complete a project, our designs become a home and a community that the residents identify with in a positive manner. I believe this phenomenon transforms lives. It’s what keeps me coming to work each day.” Due to these ideals, Michael Wiencek has repeatedly proven himself a valuable ally to the greater affordable housing development community. Congratulations Michael!
2013 HAND Housing Achievement Awards VIRGINIA PETERS NONPROFIT FRIEND OF THE YEAR Mosi Harrington
Mosi was the founding Executive Director of Housing Initiative Partnership, affectionately known as HIP. Almost 25 years ago, she met with a small group of people who were frustrated by their lack of affordable housing for low-income clients. Mosi took the lead and said “Let’s do it ourselves!” Never one to be shy, Mosi tells-it like-it is. She is a persuasive advocate that brings humility, humor, passion and clarity to complicated issues. Congratulations Mosi!
Cottages and Gardens at Chesapeake Selected as 2013 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award Winner in the Rural Housing Category
Cottages and Gardens at Chesapeake in Elkton, MD, has been selected by the panel of judges as a Tax Credit Excellence Award winner in the Rural Housing category for this year’s Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards competition. The development will be presented with a commemorative plaque at this year’s Capitol Hill luncheon ceremony Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
It is worth noting, the judging committee felt the all the entries received for this year’s awards program were outstanding developments making their job that much harder.
