Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities Wins Award of Excellence for Resident and Client Services
(Washington D.C.- Nov. 17, 2020)- Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities received a 2020 Award of Excellence in Resident and Client Services from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The winning program, Annual Backpack Giveaway, provided low-income families with school supplies for the upcoming academic year.
“This year’s award-winning agencies have given us innovative local solutions for increasing affordable housing stock and improving the lives of their residents,” NAHRO President Sunny Shaw said. “I am excited to honor them for their excellence.”
BC/ACHA partnered with the Southminster Presbyterian Church on the Annual Backpack Giveaway, which addresses the problem of school supply affordability. The housing authority asked a network of local businesses and community organizations to donate brand-new school supplies, which were then distributed to children. In its first year, the Backpack Program was able to serve 65 children. In 2019, they were able to serve 501 children who are residents of the housing authorities and attend local Boise schools.
Each backpack is tailored to meet the needs of the grade the students are entering. The list of items is based on a school supply list from the school district, so parents can be assured their child has the age-appropriate supplies needed for the classroom. Since BC/ACHA and its partners are providing the children with backpacks and supplies, families can spend money on other items such as new back-to-school clothes.
“NAHRO members have always been in the business of providing homes and improving lives – these awards commemorate shining examples of the vital work they do nationwide,” NAHRO CEO Adrianne Todman said. “My sincere congratulations to this year’s winners.”
About the Awards of Excellence
The Awards of Excellence represent the very best in innovative programs in assisted housing and community development. Chosen from among Award of Merit winners each year, the Awards of Excellence winners are selected by national juries and will be honored during NAHRO’s Online National Conference on Nov. 17 and 18.
About NAHRO
NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO’s membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.