-- Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, U.S. House of Representatives (D-
NY), Federal Government Service Award: Velázquez was the first Puerto Rican
woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Latina to
lead a full Congressional committee -- taking over as Chair of the Small
Business Committee in 2006. She is a champion for financial literacy,
housing counseling, fairness in lending, and affordable housing. From
serving as New York's most senior Member on the Financial Service
Committee's Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity to assembling
a roundtable of housing and finance experts to address the foreclosure
crisis, Velázquez has worked extensively to preserve affordable housing in
her District and the nation, prevent predatory lending, increase the
availability of housing counseling, and provide economic opportunities for
public housing residents.
-- Thomas C. Slater, Representative, Rhode Island House of
Representatives, State Government Service Award: For 15 years,
Representative Slater has been a vocal proponent of affordable housing
initiatives in Rhode Island, and demonstrated a deep-seeded commitment to
community development. This commitment led him to successfully sponsor $50
million housing bond legislation in 2006 that today funds the state's
affordable housing efforts. Representative Slater not only sponsored this
important measure, but participated in the development of an effective
oversight and delivery system that ensured the state housing commission had
sufficient funds to administer the bond program. Representative Slater is
always available to his constituents, and takes time to work directly with
residents to draft and submit legislation that affects the lives of many.
Representative Slater is accessible, honorable, dedicated and resourceful,
and works tirelessly to improve the lives of Rhode Island residents.
-- Joseph A. Belval, Housing Development Manager, City of Phoenix
Neighborhood Services Department, Local Government Service Award: Joseph
Belval has a strong history with, and commitment to, neighborhood
revitalization, stemming from the late 1970s when he worked as a community
organizer in Chicago. As Housing Development Manager, Belval is at the
center of intensive, community-driven, neighborhood-specific strategies for
Phoenix's older, distressed neighborhoods, overcoming blight house-by-house
and block-by-block. Viewed equally as a leader and partner, Belval
provides strategic guidance and coordination to eliminate blighted
properties, doing whatever it takes to acquire and transform the
properties, then turn them into homeownership opportunities primarily for
the benefit of low- and moderate-income families. Belval's commitment to
his vision has produced 158 scattered-site infill homes to forward the
city's revitalization agenda. Belval brings a generous and affirming
spirit to all he does, tirelessly giving of his time and energy to his
peers, his staff and his partners in the community.
-- Ken McCormick, Deputy District Attorney, Contra Costa County, Calif.,
Local Government Service Award: After criminally prosecuting fraudulent
foreclosure rescue scam artists for the last two years, Contra County
Deputy District Attorney McCormick wanted to do more to educate homeowners
about the dangers of foreclosure rescue scams, and connect them to the
appropriate resources. McCormick, who also leads the county's Real Estate
fraud unit, developed a bilingual District Attorney Advisory letter that
warns homeowners about foreclosure rescue scams and gives borrowers
information about where to turn for legitimate help. The letter is sent to
all homeowners who receive default notices, which has resulted in a spike
in client intakes at nonprofit housing counseling agencies. Taking the
foreclosure scam prevention even further, McCormick seamlessly connected
foreclosure counselors to legal service providers, which enables both
providers to refer clients to the appropriate channels when foreclosure
scams have likely occurred. Because of McCormick's early recognition of the
predatory environment created by the foreclosure crisis, more homeowners in
Contra Costa County and neighboring counties are asking for, and receiving
help to avoid foreclosure.
"The commitment demonstrated by these leaders at the federal, state and
local government levels is ever more important given today's challenges in
the housing market and the economic crisis," said Ken Wade, CEO of
NeighborWorks® America. "The 2009 honorees recognize the far-reaching
impact of community development efforts. From supporting foreclosure
intervention efforts and educating families about predatory foreclosure
rescue scams, to ensuring residents have access to quality affordable
housing, and revitalizing areas affected by blight, the 2009 honorees have
made the communities they represent better places to live. We are proud to
honor them for their invaluable service."
Honorees have achieved substantive accomplishments that include initiating
and implementing public policies and programs that strengthen communities
or expand the supply of affordable housing. They are in touch with their
constituents -- listening to their opinions and working with them to
implement strategies and policies that succeed. Their demonstrated
commitment and dedication make them stand out as leaders in touch with the
people they serve.
Wade commended the award recipients for understanding the extensive
influence housing issues have on individuals, the local economy and the
entire nation. For every dollar spent on quality, affordable housing, $35
are returned in the form of job creation, increased independence and tax
contributions, new businesses, and access to higher education.
For more information about the NeighborWorks® Government Service Awards
and the 2009 awardees, please visit
www.nw.org/network/neighborworksProgs/awards or contact Erin Angell
Collins, 202-220-6317, ecollins@nw.org, or Doug Robinson, 202-220-2360,
drobinson@nw.org.
About NeighborWorks® America
NeighborWorks® America creates opportunities for people to improve their
lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership
and to safe and affordable rental housing. Since 1991, we have assisted
nearly 1.2 million low- to moderate-income families with their housing
needs. Much of our success is achieved through our support of the
NeighborWorks® network -- more than 230 community development
organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural
communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In
the last five years, NeighborWorks® organizations have generated more
than $15 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks®
America is the nation's leading trainer of community development and
affordable housing professionals. www.nw.org.
Contact Information: Contact: Erin Angell Collins 202-220-6317 ecollins@nw.org Doug Robinson 202-220-2360 drobinson@nw.org