2008 Excellence in Housing Awards
Bob Guarasci, CFS and MIPH earn accolades
On September 24, 2008, three of the member organizations of the New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness, earned accolades at the 2008 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Community Development. The winners were Bob Guarasci, Founder and President of New Jersey Community Development Corporation, the Center For Family Services and Making It Possible To End Homelessness (MIPH).
Marge Della Vecchia, Executive Director, HMFA, Asish Patel, Monarch Housing Associates, Joseph F. McKernan Jr., J. F. McKernan Jr. Architects and Associates, LLC, John Evans Chairperson Board of Trustees, enter for Family Services (CFS), Richard Stagliano, President, CFS, Commissioner Joe Doria, Department of Community Affairs, Eileen Henderson, Vice-President, CFS, Tony Comito, Vice-Presidnet, CFS, and Dr. Irene Hill-Smith.
The winner of the award for Outstanding Integration of Supportive Housing with Community Revitalization went to the Center For Family Services, Inc. for Camden Dreams. Camden Dreams is a supportive housing project that provides housing for youth aging out of foster care and homeless youth. The project included the renovation of three abandoned buildings in the historic Cooper Plaza Neighborhood of Camden and incorporated green features, including solar electric heating and air conditioning system. The Center provides the structure needed to assist the residents with their basic needs while providing supportive counseling as well as vocational training.
Marge Della Vecchia, Executive Director, HMFA, Bob Guarasci, President of the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) and Commissioner Joe Doria, Department of Community Affairs
The Special Achievement Award was presented to Robert Guarasci, Founder and President of New Jersey Community Development Corporation. Guarasci was honored for his tireless dedication to providing affordable housing to those who need it the most.
This year alone, New Jersey CDC has completed a 15-unit project for the mentally ill and homeless, 12 units of supportive housing with counseling and life-skill services, a six-unit home for youth aging out of foster care, and a student community charter school.
In addition, receiving the second honor for Best Innovative Housing Partnership was presented to the Reformed Church of Highland Park Affordable Housing Corporation and Making It Possible To End Homelessness (MIPH) for their partnership in the development of Irayna Court. Located in Highland Park, Irayna Court is a permanent housing project for young women aging out of foster care that would otherwise be homeless. Before Irayna Court, there was no project located in Middlesex County to serve this population. Andrea Krich of MIPH is a member of the Advocacy Network’s Steering Committee.
