Providence Housing Development Corporation hosted its 20th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, September 18th, at artistic venue Artisan Works. Executive Director John McDermott welcomed 200 community members, dignitaries, staff, and residents to the event. Providence Housing celebrates 20 years in affordable housing with gratitude for past successes and their focus on a future that includes further development and supportive services that enrich the lives of their residents and the community.
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WHAM-13 News Anchor and Associate News Director Don Alhart was the event’s Master of Ceremonies and delivered a short program on the accomplishments Providence Housing has made since 1994 and goals to reduce the gap in the low availability versus increased demand in affordable housing. Executive Director John McDermott commented on the growing affordable housing shortage and indicated “while the number of low income units has seen little increase over the past 20 years, the demand has sharply risen – by nearly 50% since 1994, and is expected to increase further, to almost 75%, by 2024.”
Providence Housing announced two winners of the new prestigious “Maggie Bringewatt Affordable Housing Award.” Both winners have been tremendous assets to the affordable housing community, have dedicated years of time and resources, and continue to be committed to reducing the shortage of affordable housing. Andy Hislop, President and CEO of LECESSE Construction Services, Inc., the premier sponsor for the evening and winner, said, “We are committed, more than ever, to assisting in the development of affordable housing and providing innovative solutions to meet the need. It’s about human dignity. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live.” Atlas General Contractors, a Gold Sponsor at the Gala and award winner indicated, “It gives Atlas Contractors great pleasure to build such quality housing for people in neighborhoods throughout the city. We love to see their expression when their families walk through the front door to their new dream home, which they never thought would become a reality. Thanks to Providence Housing for making their dreams come true!.” Both are invested in Providence Housing’s 20/20 Vision for the future. Additional pre-development efforts in the greater Rochester area, and in the entire country, are needed. Providence Housing’s future is focused on meeting more of that need and providing Shelter Plus Care and other support services for residents.
Providence Housing’s mission is to strengthen families and communities by creating and providing access to quality affordable housing enriched by the availability of supportive services. Providence Housing helps individuals and families within the 12-county region of the Diocese of Rochester.
Providence Housing History: Providence Housing founders envisioned a housing development corporation that would work closely with the faith community and Catholic Charities agencies, supporting those entities where a need for housing was perceived. Since 1994, Providence has secured greater than $135 million in project development funding from public and private sources and has created more than 900 units of affordable housing. This housing has been developed in collaboration with Catholic Charities agencies and other Catholic institutions throughout the Diocese of Rochester.
Providence Housing, a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, develops, finances and manages housing for individuals and families in the 12 counties of the Diocese. For more information or to donate, visit www.ProvidenceHousing.org/support.
