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NAHMA Singles Out Top-Quality Multifamily Affordable Housing
Published: February 19, 2008

Alexandria, Va.—The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) recently announced that five property owners and/or managers are winners of its 2007 Communities of Quality Awards. NAHMA’s 15th annual awards program recognizes excellence in the physical, financial and social condition of federally subsidized properties. Property owners and managers compete also on the basis of the quality of life they offer to residents, the level of resident involvement in community life and the nature of collaborations with other organizations and agencies that contribute to the betterment of the lives of residents and the larger community.  
 
This year’s winners were chosen from among 46 properties that qualified for the competition after achieving National Recognition from NAHMA as a Community of Quality. This means that they exceeded by 100 points the challenging criteria that properties must meet to achieve national recognition.
 
Winners of the 15th annual COQ Awards competition are:
 
• For Exemplary Family Development: Oxford Properties Inc., for Valley Garden
Apartments, Huntsville, Ala.
• For Outstanding Special Needs Property: McClain Barr & Associates, for St. John
Housing, Washington, N.C. 
• For Exemplary Development for the Elderly: AIMCO, for University Square, Philadelphia.
• For Outstanding Turnaround of a Troubled Property (tie): BCJ Management for Southwood Square, Stamford, Conn. and Southern Development Management Company, for Mt. Zion AME Apartments I and II, Florence, S.C. 

“Affordable housing done right is a tremendous asset to a community, especially because it gives pride of place to families and individuals who deserve—but may not always have access to—safe, decent and satisfying housing and communities,” says NAHMA President Michelle Norris, SHCM, NAHP-e. “Companies that apply for national recognition and then qualify for the COQ awards program are emblematic of why affordable housing deserves to receive continued federal and other support. They fulfill a growing need for housing for the working poor, the elderly, special needs populations and others.”  

“Achieving the status of being a Community of Quality Award winner is very significant in our industry,” says Kris Cook, executive director of NAHMA, which represents affordable housing owners and managers nationwide. “Every year, the competition gets hotter.”

The awards are co-sponsored by The Home Depot Supply, which markets maintenance and renovation products to the multi-housing industry.  

Mike Hendel, director of multifamily business development for Home Depot Supply, notes that his company is proud to once again be involved in an awards program that recognizes the importance of property maintenance. “If affordable housing is to remain attractive and safe, both the exteriors and the interiors need to be maintained with vigilance,” he says.

“NAHMA’s Communities of Quality Awards program acknowledges affordable housing providers who continue to raise the bar in defining high-quality management and upkeep.” The COQ awards will be presented at NAHMA’s annual winter meeting, scheduled for March 8-11, 2008 in Washington, D.C. 

NAHMA advocates on behalf of multifamily property mangers and owners whose mission is to provide quality affordable housing. Founded in 1990, it supports legislative and regulatory policy that promotes the development and preservation of decent and safe affordable housing as well as providing a resource for technical education and information.

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