The Hampton Roads Housing Consortium (HRHC) recently held its 14^th Annual Housing Awards Ceremony virtually on October 8^th. The four awards recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to improving housing conditions for the region. The HRPDC provides staffing support to the HRHC.

This year's theme was "2020 Hindsight: A New Vision for Housing." The event included an inspirational keynote address from Maurice Jones. Mr. Jones is the President and Chief Executive Office of  Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Mr. Jones provided updates on unique collaborations slated for the Hampton Roads region that challenge a larger subset of organizations and partners to address housing issues, such as the private business and the health care sectors.

"I am so pleased about this year's award honorees," said HRHC Chair, Brett Sierra. “The awardees represented a wide-range of services and dedication to affordable housing for all of Hampton Roads. The inherent compassion and commitment represented in their programs and performances epitomize the mission and purpose of the HRHC."

This year’s awards and honorees were:

HRHC Housing Warrior Award:  Stephanie Wright, Director of Housing Programs  Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority
HRHC Special Project/Housing Partner Award:  James City County Workforce Housing Task Force
HRHC Across the Region Award:  Eugenia C. Jackson, President  Hampton Roads Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc.
HRHC Lifetime Achievement Award:  Andrew M. Friedman, Director  City of Virginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Stabilization

Added this year, was an opportunity to involve the youth in Hampton Roads.  HRHC held its first photo contest for High School students.  This year, high schoolers in the region were asked to take pictures of what they felt community should be, could be, or will be.  The first-place prize for this year’s event was $500. 

1^st Place Winner:

Haleigh Jenkins - Bethel High School 

“Community to me is our family, our friends, the people we care about and will do anything for. So in this picture I wanted to capture some of my family members who have made such a huge impact in my life; I also wanted to include a place in the Newport News area that some people might know Virginia for and what I think is just so beautiful. This community will always be what I call home and what I love the most."

2nd place Winner

Jamari Highsmith - Achievable Dream Middle and High School

"Even covid-19 can't stop kindness."

3rd place Winner

Ashleigh Thomas – I. C . Norcom High School

 “This photo represents the new vision of my community because as teenagers and even members of a community we should be helping others stay safe and fight the spread of COVID-19 in this pandemic. Even if we can’t make a big change in the world, we can do little things such as giving a friend a mask to make a difference in our community.”

The HRHC receives staffing support from the HRPDC