In recognition of his outstanding service and efforts to improve affordable housing in Arizona,
Tempe City Councilmember Corey Woods received the 2012 Brian Mickelsen Housing Hero Award from the Arizona Department of Housing.
Now in its ninth year, the Arizona Housing Forum is the only statewide housing conference in Arizona. Nominees in seven different categories are selected based on their efforts to support affordable housing for moderate and low-income Arizona families. The awards are named in honor of the outstanding public service exemplified by the late Brian Mickelsen, an original member of the Arizona Housing Finance Authority and former city manager for the Town of Cottonwood.
Woods received the 2012 Elected Official Award, which recognizes an Arizona elected official who has demonstrated ongoing support for affordable housing projects and programs including housing for homeless, domestic violence, special needs and low income families and seniors. Woods exemplifies this award through his ongoing advocacy for affordable housing projects throughout the Tempe area. Projects Councilman Woods has supported include Apache ASL Trails and Encore on Farmer.
“This award represents the efforts our community has made during the last years. Providing safe, affordable housing to all who need it is a priority for our city,” Woods said. “I appreciate this honor.”
Other winners included:
Outstanding Affordable Housing Initiative Award - Guild Mortgage, Yuma Office, for assisting 393 first time homebuyers purchase homes in Yuma County. These loans were made possible through the Arizona Housing Finance Authority’s Mortgage Revenue Bond Plus program.
Innovative Supportive Housing Program Award - Victory Place III in Phoenix. Since its completion, Victory Place campuses have served more than 2,000 homeless and formerly homeless veterans in Maricopa County. Demonstrating need and success, as of July 2012, Victory Place III achieved 100 percent occupancy, just six months from being placed in service.
Tribal Initiatives Award - Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Housing’s Yavapai-Apache Homes IV project. Utilizing solar technologies and energy efficient resources, the Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Housing Department has succeeded in providing low-income residents with homes that conserve natural resources.
Arthur Cozier Partner in Housing Award - Jerry Anderson from the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF.) This award celebrates the single action or a lifetime of success of an individual committed to improving the lives of families and the health of communities through
recognition that decent, affordable housing is basic to our social fabric. His work with SAAF and its housing program exemplifies a successful career improving the lives of low income individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Exemplary Urban Multi-Family Project Award - Grandfamilies Place of Phoenix targets affordable housing for grandparents who have legal custody to raise their grandchildren. This project is the first affordable rental housing complex of its kind in Arizona.
Exemplary Rural Multifamily Project Award - FSL White Mountain Villas in Show Low, Arizona embraces the highest quality of life for low-income seniors in an environment that allows them to maintain their autonomy and independence. The complex provides seniors with numerous services, such as counseling, social activities, congregate meal programs, home delivered meals, health education, and referral services.
City of Tempe Housing Services:
The City of Tempe wants to ensure the health and welfare of its residents. For that reason, Tempe participates in a variety of federal housing programs for those who need assistance. Housing Services provides rental assistance for low income households and pathways to success through the Family Self-Sufficiency and Permanent Supportive Housing programs.
To discover more about Tempe’s affordable housing program, visit
www.tempe.gov/housing