Press Releases
Date: July 9, 2003
Release Date: Immediately
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Reba V. Hicks
Public Information Officer
(856) 968-2748
rhicks@camdenhousing.org
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF CAMDEN (HACC) UP FOR NATIONAL
EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Housing Authority of the City of Camden (HACC) is in the running
for a national award honoring superior assisted housing and community
development programs. The Authority has been nominated for its
Valentine's Day Ball Fundraiser.
The nomination for a 2003 Award of Excellence comes from the National
Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The
Authority already won an Award of Merit from NAHRO, which is to be
presented July 26, 2003 at the association's summer conference in
Tampa, Florida.. The Award of Merit Regional Jury nominated the
Authority for the Awards of Excellence, which will be presented at
NAHRO'S National Conference and Exhibition in Dallas on October
21, 2003.
As the cost of higher education soars across the country, it became
apparent that this cost was a major factor for many Camden public
housing residents' inability to complete their college studies.
Financial aid resources were simply inadequate to allow students to
finish. To help raise money for the youth who need it, HACC planned a
Valentine's Day Ball, in which guests would have the opportunity
to have a good time while helping a worthy cause. The event was a huge
success and guests enjoyed the auction on items donated by local
groups. In all, the event raised over $30,000 for the scholarship
funds, which was then given in $2,500 scholarships to students
selected for the aid.
Dr. Maria Marquez, Executive Director, stated the HACC is very proud
and honored to be nominated for NAHRO's Award of Excellence for
our Valentine's Day Ball Fundraiser. It gives the Authority great
joy to be able to offer our residents opportunities of higher learning
educational experiences."
"Programs like these set standards that are worthy models for the
public and private sectors," said NAHRO President Kurt Creager.
"NAHRO is proud of its members, who consistently go the extra
mile in providing service for residents and their communities."
NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of 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.