Changing lives and transforming communities through high quality affordable housing. |
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| Leadership |
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BHC Named Best Housing Organization in Virginia |
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Better Housing Coalition has won the 2008 Virginia Housing Award for Best Housing Organization! The award went to BHC for its outstanding commitment, effectiveness and innovation in meeting a diverse range of housing-related needs. Several BHC staff members accepted the award at the Governor's Housing Conference on November 13.
Nominations were accepted for the categories of Best Affordable Housing Development, Best Program or Service, Best Housing Organization, Best Housing Preservation/Revitalization Effort and Best Affordable Housing Energy Conservation Effort. A team of professionals from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Housing Development Authority evaluated the nominations.
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Collaboration |
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Winchester Greens Community Serves as National Model |
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 During the International City and County Management Association(ICCMA) Annual Conference, approximately 30 participants from around the country toured Winchester Greens on a field visit. At BHC's award-winning community, discussion centered on how citizens take ownership of our communities.
BHC takes a holistic approach to revitalization based upon the unique needs of the community, and by doing so creates successful and sustainable communities which foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents. In just ten years after transforming the Park Lee Apartments into Winchester Greens, the average household income of the original residents has increased from $6,000 to almost $20,000. With the help of BHC's Community Social Work Program, residents are able to become more self-determining, build personal wealth, and improve their lives.
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| Revitalization |
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Volunteers Aid in Beautification Project on Cary Street |
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Resident volunteers, BHC staff, and property management came together on October 18 to dress up the streetscape along their Cary Street properties, planting new trees, bushes, and flowering plants.
The impacts of nice, clean surroundings on safety and positive behavior have been evident since BHC completed its Cary 2000 revitalization initiative in 1996. A resident living in a rehabilitated Cary Street home once commented, "I was afraid, and I used to keep my bedroom air conditioning unit running all night, even in the winter, because of the noise. Now I sleep right through the night."
BHC thanks everyone who contributed to the fall plantings, and asks anyone interested in participating in beautification projects to call us at (804) 644-0546. |
| Sustainability |
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BHC to Honor Leaders in Sustainability |
Mark your calendars for March 20, 2009! BHC will host its 20th Anniversary Celebration 6 - 8 p.m. at the site of its next major revitalization initiative: H. Beckstoffer's & Sons lumber mill in historic Church Hill (1208 N. 28th Street).
As part of the celebration, BHC will recognize individuals and organizations who have exhibited extraordinary leadership in promoting the fundamental pillars of sustainability. Awards will be presented for: 1) Transforming communities
2) Creative collaboration
3) Environmental Responsibility and Innovation
4) Changing Lives
Details and nominee criteria will be available in January 2009. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or participation in the Sustainable Community Day on March 21, contact Drew Melson at d.melson@betterhousingcoalition.org. | |
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Better Housing Coalition
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Where you live can change your life.
You can help - donate today!
BHC Charity Campaign Codes:
United Way, 3158; Combined Virginia Campaign, 3624 |
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Did you know that 64% of Richmond workers make less than the $73,000 needed to purchase a median priced home? A gift to BHC this holiday season will help us in our mission to change lives through high-quality affordable housing. |
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