Nominations are now open for the
2024 Colorado NAHRO Awards!
The program recognizes the people, projects and partnerships that enhance the affordable housing industry and promote viable communities in Colorado.
This year, we're looking for nominees that are reflective of our conference theme:
Fresh Perspectives, Bold Horizons
We believe that every voice holds the potential to shape a bold vision for the future of affordable housing. By embracing fresh perspectives and the unique contributions of affordable housing professionals, we're charting a path of innovation, inclusivity, growth and housing for all.
Nominations are due April 5, 2024
This year, we're looking for nominees that are reflective of our conference theme:
Fresh Perspectives, Bold Horizons
We believe that every voice holds the potential to shape a bold vision for the future of affordable housing. By embracing fresh perspectives and the unique contributions of affordable housing professionals, we're charting a path of innovation, inclusivity, growth and housing for all.
Nominations are due April 5, 2024
Congratulations to our 2023 Winners!
People | Brenna Rush, Clinical Manager, Housing Catalyst
Project | AVi at Olde Town, Foothills Regional Housing Authority
Partnership | Bold Housing Moves, Eagle County Housing and Development Authority
Congratulations to our 2022 Winners!
Lifetime Achievement Award - Ed Talbot
Partnership Award Winners:
People Award Winners:
Project Award Winners:
Congratulations to our 2021 Winners!
Aaron Kloke | Leader in Housing
Progressing quickly from Development Assistant to Director of Development at Foothills Regional Housing, Aaron closed three 100% affordable housing deals, representing 108 rehab units that will preserve naturally affordable housing for the next 40 years, and 145 new construction units, including 39 units set aside for youth aging out of foster care and homeless veterans.
Aaron has created a development pipeline focused on creating and preserving long-term affordability of multi-family housing, including achieving high environmental design standards, transit-oriented development (or at least high walkability), and maximization of site potential. He works with all stakeholders with humility, integrity and positivity and is truly, a leader in housing.
Sage Corner (Metro West Housing Solutions) | Leaders Through New Construction
Metro West Housing Solutions' newest affordable housing community, Sage Corner, opened in February 2021 with 43 units priced between 30 and 60% AMI. Sage Corner is Metro West's smallest community and required working with a neighboring HOA to ensure it would be welcomed into the neighborhood.
Designing and building a small community, while keeping rents affordable, meant that Metro West had to engage in unique partnerships and methods of keeping construction costs per unit to a minimum to prove that affordability does not have to mean sacrificing quality. Built almost entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic (you can't build a housing community from home!), the Metro West team had to be flexible and adaptable while ensuring the health and safety of everyone working on the project. Sage Corner is truly something for Metro West, and Lakewood residents, to be proud of.
Valor on the Fax (Brothers Redevelopment) | Leadership Through New Construction
Brothers Redevelopment recently broke ground on a new affordable living community that will assist individuals who face housing insecurity due to an acquired brain injury or related disability. The Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado suggests that about 40% of individuals who are currently homeless will screen positive for a brain injury. The 72-unit community has been conceived with Trauma Informed Design principles, and will house resources to support residents for both recovery from brain injury as well as rental and utility assistance and homebuyers workshops.
The site also benefits underserved and marginalized neighborhoods in East Denver and northwest Aurora, and includes a satellite office for Brothers to help serve the neighborhood further. Brothers was competitively awarded the project by the City and County of Denver, with the one-acre parcel part of the city's $2.4 million contribution to the project.
Housing Catalyst's Housing Choice Voucher JumpStart Video Briefings | Leadership in Innovation
Housing Catalyst’s Housing Choice Voucher program created video briefings for new voucher holders and new property managers to provide a consistent message and easy accessibility, which became especially crucial during COVID restrictions.
The videos were crafted to be easily understandable for a wide range of audiences and can be accessed on the website or sent as a link. A video was also created for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program as a recruiting tool. Using video briefings has created efficiencies for staff and is more convenient and accessible for the voucher holders as they can view them from anywhere that has access to internet.
La Tela Condominiums (Elevation Community Land Trust) | Leadership Through Partnership
Elevation Community Land Trust is dependent on successful partnerships to allow the organization to scale with a small but dedicated staff.
One of the most significant examples of this is La Tela, a 92-unit affordable condominium building in the heart of Denver's Santa Fe Arts District. The project came together through a partnership starting with the vision of Shanahan Development, which was fleshed out alongside Radian and Studio Completiva. Urban Land Conservancy and Elevation Community Land Trust also joined the partnership that resulted in changing the floorplate to include family-sized units in response to community needs. Today, in partnership with Love Thy Neighbor Realtors, ECLT is selling beautiful condos for under $200,000, the first 100% permanently affordable for-sale condo project in Denver.
Developed with all of the challenges that occur during a global pandemic, La Tela would not have been possible without the passion and commitment of all of its project partners.
Mason Place Supportive Housing (Housing Catalyst) | Leadership Through Partnership
Housing Catalyst's Mason Place offers permanent supportive housing to 60 households experiencing homelessness and homeless veterans. Mason Place offers an array of supportive services to assist residents in achieving housing stability, and provides necessary linkages to resources within the community.
With the overall objective to assist residents in remaining stably housed, increasing income and enhancing health and personal well-being, Housing Catalyst is only able to achieve these goals through the support and contribution of partner agencies. They have leveraged partnerships with The Veterans Administration, Homeward Alliance, Larimer County Behavioral Health Grant and UC Health's Community Paramedics Program to provide very intensive service components.
The team is focused on planning, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and communication strategies to ensure a collaborative environment always striving for workable solutions. These partnerships ultimately mean that Mason Place residents receive the high-quality, 24/7 support they need.
Globeville Elyria-Swansea Housing Collaborative | Leadership Through Partnership
In 2020, Brothers developed and sold two modular duplexes as part of the Globeville Elyria-Swansea Affordable Housing Collaborative (AHC) — composed of Brothers, the GES Coalition and the Colorado Community Land Trust who is now managed by Habitat Metro Denver. The duplexes were sold to Globeville and Elyria-Swansea families who are facing displacement due to rising rents and environmental injustice.
The AHC is made possible thanks to contributions from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the City and County of Denver — who have invested more than $4 million into the AHC — and the Colorado Division of Housing which also made a substantial financial contribution to the project. Thanks to these partnerships, and a generous contribution from the Colorado Health Foundation, Brothers and the AHC acquired a small parcel on Josephine Street to develop a small townhome community that will be sold to Globeville and Elyria Swansea families in 2022
Housing Catalyst Resident Services Team | Pandemic Perseverance Award
Throughout the pandemic, the Resident Services Team at Housing Catalyst supported families with their creativity, flexibility and commitment to the health and well-being of their residents. The team implemented programs and partnerships in the areas of finances, education and health, that were truly impactful. Within the first three months of the pandemic, they navigated a 17% increase in referrals for residents experiencing financial stress due to the inability to afford rent, food or other necessities.
They quickly became experts in unemployment, and partnered with a local foundation to deliver more than 14,000 meals from local restaurants to residents in affordable housing properties. As the community amenities were closed, the team realized the need to engage the resident children, connecting with the city and other community organizations to facilitate activities ranging from scavenger hunts to community gardens, as well as helping with bike repairs and story times.
The team formed critical partnerships in the areas of mental and physical health, including connecting residents to the vaccine and other resources. Housing Catalyst residents continually share how grateful they are for the Resident Services team, who exemplify pandemic perseverance.
Brother's Redevelopment | Pandemic Perseverance Award
Throughout the pandemic, housing nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment has touched thousands of lives across the state thanks to successful partnerships that have kept Colorado housed during COVID-19. Brothers partnered with the state of Colorado in April 2020 to administer funds for the Emergency Housing Assistance Program to provide emergency rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradoans outside of Denver who were facing a financial hardship due to COVID-19, and provided more than $1.2 million in retnal and mortgage assistance to 434 households in 2020. In June 2021, the State selected Brothers as a partner to administer funds for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), and has subsequently administred nearly $2 million in rental assistance.
Daniella Dillon and Sarah Catalatonno (Metro West Housing Solutions) | Pandemic Perseverance Award
Daniela and Sarah leapt into action at the onset of the pandemic to support residents who were struggling to pay rent. In addition to helping the Executive Team secure CDBG funds, they worked directly with residents to help them apply for and receive funds from the State (including through Colorado NAHRO's Rent Assistance Fund) which led to approximately $750,000 in rent assistance.
Because some of their efforts resulted in direct assistance, the true financial impact of their work may never be known. This meant a lot of tedious paperwork on top of their regular duties and other pandemic stresses. They did an outstanding job on behalf of residents, but also Metro West as an agency, and because of their extraordinary efforts, tenants were able to continue to pay rent and the agency was able to maintain cash flow and operations.
While senior residents weren't faced with as many rent issues as their income comes primarily from social security, they faced isolation, loneliness and pandemic fatigue. With this in mind, Daniele and her team used their resources and an AARP grant to schedule a Project Joy Bomb parade through the parking lot...a parade that included mermaid serenades, clowns, and jugglers. The happiness shown on the faces of residents was truly priceless. For these and countless other reasons, Daniela and Sarah deserve to be recognized for their pandemic perseverance.
People | Brenna Rush, Clinical Manager, Housing Catalyst
Project | AVi at Olde Town, Foothills Regional Housing Authority
Partnership | Bold Housing Moves, Eagle County Housing and Development Authority
Congratulations to our 2022 Winners!
Lifetime Achievement Award - Ed Talbot
Partnership Award Winners:
- Colorado Department of Local Affairs - ERAP Fund Distribution
- Innovative Housing Concepts and Starry - Digital Equity
- Maiker Housing Partners - Kids First Clinic
- Housing Catalyst and Homeward Alliance
People Award Winners:
- Jace Matthews, Foothills Regional Housing
- Creekside Resident Services Team, Metro West Housing Solutions
- Sonia Tirado, Maiker Housing Partners
- Liz Aryeetey, Maiker Housing Partners
- Kathryn Grosscup, CHFA
- Emily Sander, Jefferson County Community Development
Project Award Winners:
- Flats at Ford Street, Foothills Regional Housing
- Lamar Station Crossing Phase II, Metro West Housing Solutions
- Two10 at Castle Peak Apartments, Eagle County Housing and Development Authority
- Mason Place, Housing Catalyst
Congratulations to our 2021 Winners!
Aaron Kloke | Leader in Housing
Progressing quickly from Development Assistant to Director of Development at Foothills Regional Housing, Aaron closed three 100% affordable housing deals, representing 108 rehab units that will preserve naturally affordable housing for the next 40 years, and 145 new construction units, including 39 units set aside for youth aging out of foster care and homeless veterans.
Aaron has created a development pipeline focused on creating and preserving long-term affordability of multi-family housing, including achieving high environmental design standards, transit-oriented development (or at least high walkability), and maximization of site potential. He works with all stakeholders with humility, integrity and positivity and is truly, a leader in housing.
Sage Corner (Metro West Housing Solutions) | Leaders Through New Construction
Metro West Housing Solutions' newest affordable housing community, Sage Corner, opened in February 2021 with 43 units priced between 30 and 60% AMI. Sage Corner is Metro West's smallest community and required working with a neighboring HOA to ensure it would be welcomed into the neighborhood.
Designing and building a small community, while keeping rents affordable, meant that Metro West had to engage in unique partnerships and methods of keeping construction costs per unit to a minimum to prove that affordability does not have to mean sacrificing quality. Built almost entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic (you can't build a housing community from home!), the Metro West team had to be flexible and adaptable while ensuring the health and safety of everyone working on the project. Sage Corner is truly something for Metro West, and Lakewood residents, to be proud of.
Valor on the Fax (Brothers Redevelopment) | Leadership Through New Construction
Brothers Redevelopment recently broke ground on a new affordable living community that will assist individuals who face housing insecurity due to an acquired brain injury or related disability. The Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado suggests that about 40% of individuals who are currently homeless will screen positive for a brain injury. The 72-unit community has been conceived with Trauma Informed Design principles, and will house resources to support residents for both recovery from brain injury as well as rental and utility assistance and homebuyers workshops.
The site also benefits underserved and marginalized neighborhoods in East Denver and northwest Aurora, and includes a satellite office for Brothers to help serve the neighborhood further. Brothers was competitively awarded the project by the City and County of Denver, with the one-acre parcel part of the city's $2.4 million contribution to the project.
Housing Catalyst's Housing Choice Voucher JumpStart Video Briefings | Leadership in Innovation
Housing Catalyst’s Housing Choice Voucher program created video briefings for new voucher holders and new property managers to provide a consistent message and easy accessibility, which became especially crucial during COVID restrictions.
The videos were crafted to be easily understandable for a wide range of audiences and can be accessed on the website or sent as a link. A video was also created for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program as a recruiting tool. Using video briefings has created efficiencies for staff and is more convenient and accessible for the voucher holders as they can view them from anywhere that has access to internet.
La Tela Condominiums (Elevation Community Land Trust) | Leadership Through Partnership
Elevation Community Land Trust is dependent on successful partnerships to allow the organization to scale with a small but dedicated staff.
One of the most significant examples of this is La Tela, a 92-unit affordable condominium building in the heart of Denver's Santa Fe Arts District. The project came together through a partnership starting with the vision of Shanahan Development, which was fleshed out alongside Radian and Studio Completiva. Urban Land Conservancy and Elevation Community Land Trust also joined the partnership that resulted in changing the floorplate to include family-sized units in response to community needs. Today, in partnership with Love Thy Neighbor Realtors, ECLT is selling beautiful condos for under $200,000, the first 100% permanently affordable for-sale condo project in Denver.
Developed with all of the challenges that occur during a global pandemic, La Tela would not have been possible without the passion and commitment of all of its project partners.
Mason Place Supportive Housing (Housing Catalyst) | Leadership Through Partnership
Housing Catalyst's Mason Place offers permanent supportive housing to 60 households experiencing homelessness and homeless veterans. Mason Place offers an array of supportive services to assist residents in achieving housing stability, and provides necessary linkages to resources within the community.
With the overall objective to assist residents in remaining stably housed, increasing income and enhancing health and personal well-being, Housing Catalyst is only able to achieve these goals through the support and contribution of partner agencies. They have leveraged partnerships with The Veterans Administration, Homeward Alliance, Larimer County Behavioral Health Grant and UC Health's Community Paramedics Program to provide very intensive service components.
The team is focused on planning, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and communication strategies to ensure a collaborative environment always striving for workable solutions. These partnerships ultimately mean that Mason Place residents receive the high-quality, 24/7 support they need.
Globeville Elyria-Swansea Housing Collaborative | Leadership Through Partnership
In 2020, Brothers developed and sold two modular duplexes as part of the Globeville Elyria-Swansea Affordable Housing Collaborative (AHC) — composed of Brothers, the GES Coalition and the Colorado Community Land Trust who is now managed by Habitat Metro Denver. The duplexes were sold to Globeville and Elyria-Swansea families who are facing displacement due to rising rents and environmental injustice.
The AHC is made possible thanks to contributions from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the City and County of Denver — who have invested more than $4 million into the AHC — and the Colorado Division of Housing which also made a substantial financial contribution to the project. Thanks to these partnerships, and a generous contribution from the Colorado Health Foundation, Brothers and the AHC acquired a small parcel on Josephine Street to develop a small townhome community that will be sold to Globeville and Elyria Swansea families in 2022
Housing Catalyst Resident Services Team | Pandemic Perseverance Award
Throughout the pandemic, the Resident Services Team at Housing Catalyst supported families with their creativity, flexibility and commitment to the health and well-being of their residents. The team implemented programs and partnerships in the areas of finances, education and health, that were truly impactful. Within the first three months of the pandemic, they navigated a 17% increase in referrals for residents experiencing financial stress due to the inability to afford rent, food or other necessities.
They quickly became experts in unemployment, and partnered with a local foundation to deliver more than 14,000 meals from local restaurants to residents in affordable housing properties. As the community amenities were closed, the team realized the need to engage the resident children, connecting with the city and other community organizations to facilitate activities ranging from scavenger hunts to community gardens, as well as helping with bike repairs and story times.
The team formed critical partnerships in the areas of mental and physical health, including connecting residents to the vaccine and other resources. Housing Catalyst residents continually share how grateful they are for the Resident Services team, who exemplify pandemic perseverance.
Brother's Redevelopment | Pandemic Perseverance Award
Throughout the pandemic, housing nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment has touched thousands of lives across the state thanks to successful partnerships that have kept Colorado housed during COVID-19. Brothers partnered with the state of Colorado in April 2020 to administer funds for the Emergency Housing Assistance Program to provide emergency rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradoans outside of Denver who were facing a financial hardship due to COVID-19, and provided more than $1.2 million in retnal and mortgage assistance to 434 households in 2020. In June 2021, the State selected Brothers as a partner to administer funds for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), and has subsequently administred nearly $2 million in rental assistance.
Daniella Dillon and Sarah Catalatonno (Metro West Housing Solutions) | Pandemic Perseverance Award
Daniela and Sarah leapt into action at the onset of the pandemic to support residents who were struggling to pay rent. In addition to helping the Executive Team secure CDBG funds, they worked directly with residents to help them apply for and receive funds from the State (including through Colorado NAHRO's Rent Assistance Fund) which led to approximately $750,000 in rent assistance.
Because some of their efforts resulted in direct assistance, the true financial impact of their work may never be known. This meant a lot of tedious paperwork on top of their regular duties and other pandemic stresses. They did an outstanding job on behalf of residents, but also Metro West as an agency, and because of their extraordinary efforts, tenants were able to continue to pay rent and the agency was able to maintain cash flow and operations.
While senior residents weren't faced with as many rent issues as their income comes primarily from social security, they faced isolation, loneliness and pandemic fatigue. With this in mind, Daniele and her team used their resources and an AARP grant to schedule a Project Joy Bomb parade through the parking lot...a parade that included mermaid serenades, clowns, and jugglers. The happiness shown on the faces of residents was truly priceless. For these and countless other reasons, Daniela and Sarah deserve to be recognized for their pandemic perseverance.
Past Awards Winners
2018 YES! In My Backyard Awards
Congratulations to the 2018 Award Winners.
The presentation of the awards took place at the Awards Luncheon on May 17, 2018 at the Vail Marriott.
Community Development
Community Resiliency Hub Project, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Fruitdale School Lofts, Hartman Ely Investments, City of Wheat Ridge, and Palace Construction, Colorado
Safe and Accessible Arvada Program, City of Arvada- Community Development, Arvada, Colorado
Housing Development
Alto, Unison Housing Partners, Adams County, Colorado
Village on Redwood, Housing Catalyst, Fort Collins, Colorado
Resident Services
Bringing School Home Early Childhood Development Program, Boulder Housing Partners
Lifetime Achievement
Don May, Adams County Housing Authority, Colorado
Congratulations to the 2018 Award Winners.
The presentation of the awards took place at the Awards Luncheon on May 17, 2018 at the Vail Marriott.
Community Development
Community Resiliency Hub Project, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Fruitdale School Lofts, Hartman Ely Investments, City of Wheat Ridge, and Palace Construction, Colorado
Safe and Accessible Arvada Program, City of Arvada- Community Development, Arvada, Colorado
Housing Development
Alto, Unison Housing Partners, Adams County, Colorado
Village on Redwood, Housing Catalyst, Fort Collins, Colorado
Resident Services
Bringing School Home Early Childhood Development Program, Boulder Housing Partners
Lifetime Achievement
Don May, Adams County Housing Authority, Colorado
2017 YES! In My Backyard Awards
Congratulations to the 2017 Award Winners. The presentation of the awards took place at the Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 24 at the Vail Marriott.
Community Development
Douglas County Senior Initiative, Douglas County Community Development, Community and Resource Services, Douglas County, Colorado
Housing Choice Voucher
Bridges to Opportunity, Arvada Housing Authority and the Arvada Community Food Bank, Arvada, Colorado
MWHS’ Housing Choice Voucher Program, Metro West Housing Solutions, Lakewood, Colorado
South Towaoc Supportive Housing, Colorado Division of Housing, Ute Mountain Housing Authority, and the Denver Regional HUD Office, Colorado
Homelessness
FHRA Medical Respite Program, Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Fargo, North Dakota
Professional Development
The Use of Infographics in Messaging, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Rehab
Project Renovate, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Resident Services
Internet Inclusivity, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Congratulations to the 2017 Award Winners. The presentation of the awards took place at the Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 24 at the Vail Marriott.
Community Development
Douglas County Senior Initiative, Douglas County Community Development, Community and Resource Services, Douglas County, Colorado
Housing Choice Voucher
Bridges to Opportunity, Arvada Housing Authority and the Arvada Community Food Bank, Arvada, Colorado
MWHS’ Housing Choice Voucher Program, Metro West Housing Solutions, Lakewood, Colorado
South Towaoc Supportive Housing, Colorado Division of Housing, Ute Mountain Housing Authority, and the Denver Regional HUD Office, Colorado
Homelessness
FHRA Medical Respite Program, Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Fargo, North Dakota
Professional Development
The Use of Infographics in Messaging, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Rehab
Project Renovate, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Resident Services
Internet Inclusivity, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
2016 Colorado NAHRO Awards
Congratulations to the 2016 Award Winners. The presentation of the Colorado NAHRO Awards took place on Thursday, May 12th at the Awards Banquet at Vail Marriott.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Resident and Client Services- Douglas County Cares- Douglas County
Community Revitalization- Castle Peak Senior Life, Rehabilitation- Eagle County Housing Development Authority
Administrative Innovation- Housing Management Year End Report- Denver Housing Authority
Affordable Housing Design- City Scape at Belmar- Metro West Housing Solutions
Energy and Green Building- Pueblo Energy Efficiency Program- Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo
SERVICE AWARD
Dedicated Service Award- Alan Feinstein, Executive Director, Jefferson County Housing Authority
Congratulations to the 2016 Award Winners. The presentation of the Colorado NAHRO Awards took place on Thursday, May 12th at the Awards Banquet at Vail Marriott.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Resident and Client Services- Douglas County Cares- Douglas County
Community Revitalization- Castle Peak Senior Life, Rehabilitation- Eagle County Housing Development Authority
Administrative Innovation- Housing Management Year End Report- Denver Housing Authority
Affordable Housing Design- City Scape at Belmar- Metro West Housing Solutions
Energy and Green Building- Pueblo Energy Efficiency Program- Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo
SERVICE AWARD
Dedicated Service Award- Alan Feinstein, Executive Director, Jefferson County Housing Authority
2015 Colorado NAHRO Awards
Congratulations to the 2015 Award Winners. Please join us for the presentation of the Colorado NAHRO Awards on Thursday, May 14 at the Awards Banquet at the Sangre Ce Cristo Art and Conference Center.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Resident and Client Services- Set Sail with SMHO, South Metro Housing Options
Community Revitalization- Memorial Neighborhood Park Revitalization, City of Arvada
Administrative Innovation- Inter-agency Engagement at Lake Creek Village Apartment, Eagle County Housing and Development Authority
Affordable Housing Project #1- Redtail Ponds Permanent Supportive Housing, Fort Collins Housing Authority
Affordable Housing Project #2- Aspinwall @ Josephine Commons, Boulder County Housing Authority
Affordable Housing Design- Lamar Station Crossing, Metro West Housing Solutions
Energy and Green Building- Zero Waste Outreach, Boulder Housing Partners
SERVICE AWARDS
Outstanding Commissioner – Joseph E. Mahoney, Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo
Outstanding Staff Member – Racquel Wertz, Grand Junction Housing Authority
UNSUNG HERO AWARD - Dan Heguy, Denver Housing Authority
HOUSING CHAMPION AWARD- Jerry Otero, Former Regional Director for the Western Region of Colorado Senator Mark Udall
The Colorado NAHRO Board of Directors would also like to present a special Housing Champion Award to Jerry Otero for his work as the regional director for the western region of Colorado for former Senator Mark Udall.
During his time working for Senator Udall, Jerry worked closely with CONAHRO members on many affordable housing issues. Most notably, his efforts to bring HUD VASH to the Western Slope resulted in almost 200 VASH Vouchers being awarded to three communities. In Boulder Jerry was instrumental in bringing 50 VASH vouchers into Boulder County and cutting through barriers that were insurmountable without Jerry’s intervention and advocacy. Additionally, Jerry has worked to create jobs in economically depressed communities by bringing the Economic Development Administration together with Delta and Gunnison Counties to pursue grant funding for economic development in the wake of a coal mine closure. He worked with the Veterans Administration to increase access to benefits councilors through expansion of tele-benefit technology in rural western Colorado communities and worked with Summit County officials to move and pass the Lake Hill Affordable Housing Act that created land for affordable housing in Dillon, Colorado.
Jerry was always an email or phone call away and was instrumental in assisting the GJHA with several issues both locally and nationally. Jerry has toured most of the GJHA properties and has taken time to talk to our residents and listen to their concerns and needs. He was always our advocate and worked diligently to ensure he understood the complex world of affordable housing. He was instrumental in coordinating an event at our newest property that included over an hour of conversation time with Senator Udall regarding affordable housing.
Congratulations to the 2015 Award Winners. Please join us for the presentation of the Colorado NAHRO Awards on Thursday, May 14 at the Awards Banquet at the Sangre Ce Cristo Art and Conference Center.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Resident and Client Services- Set Sail with SMHO, South Metro Housing Options
Community Revitalization- Memorial Neighborhood Park Revitalization, City of Arvada
Administrative Innovation- Inter-agency Engagement at Lake Creek Village Apartment, Eagle County Housing and Development Authority
Affordable Housing Project #1- Redtail Ponds Permanent Supportive Housing, Fort Collins Housing Authority
Affordable Housing Project #2- Aspinwall @ Josephine Commons, Boulder County Housing Authority
Affordable Housing Design- Lamar Station Crossing, Metro West Housing Solutions
Energy and Green Building- Zero Waste Outreach, Boulder Housing Partners
SERVICE AWARDS
Outstanding Commissioner – Joseph E. Mahoney, Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo
Outstanding Staff Member – Racquel Wertz, Grand Junction Housing Authority
UNSUNG HERO AWARD - Dan Heguy, Denver Housing Authority
HOUSING CHAMPION AWARD- Jerry Otero, Former Regional Director for the Western Region of Colorado Senator Mark Udall
The Colorado NAHRO Board of Directors would also like to present a special Housing Champion Award to Jerry Otero for his work as the regional director for the western region of Colorado for former Senator Mark Udall.
During his time working for Senator Udall, Jerry worked closely with CONAHRO members on many affordable housing issues. Most notably, his efforts to bring HUD VASH to the Western Slope resulted in almost 200 VASH Vouchers being awarded to three communities. In Boulder Jerry was instrumental in bringing 50 VASH vouchers into Boulder County and cutting through barriers that were insurmountable without Jerry’s intervention and advocacy. Additionally, Jerry has worked to create jobs in economically depressed communities by bringing the Economic Development Administration together with Delta and Gunnison Counties to pursue grant funding for economic development in the wake of a coal mine closure. He worked with the Veterans Administration to increase access to benefits councilors through expansion of tele-benefit technology in rural western Colorado communities and worked with Summit County officials to move and pass the Lake Hill Affordable Housing Act that created land for affordable housing in Dillon, Colorado.
Jerry was always an email or phone call away and was instrumental in assisting the GJHA with several issues both locally and nationally. Jerry has toured most of the GJHA properties and has taken time to talk to our residents and listen to their concerns and needs. He was always our advocate and worked diligently to ensure he understood the complex world of affordable housing. He was instrumental in coordinating an event at our newest property that included over an hour of conversation time with Senator Udall regarding affordable housing.
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