In an impressive showcase of dedication and innovative strategies in housing and community development, Fresno Housing received two 2023 NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) Merit Awards. This honor underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and promoting sustainable community growth. Specifically, Fresno Housing was honored in the Awards of Merit for its remarkable initiatives in Community Safety and Community Revitalization.
Elevating Community Safety through Resident and Client Services
The Safety Award recognizes Fresno Housing’s Resident and Client Services, a program dedicated to enhancing the lives of its residents and clients with diverse initiatives. These initiatives include self-sufficiency programs, youth programs, services for the elderly or those with special needs, and general support services. A key strategic goal for Fresno Housing is the cultivation of partnerships, notably with the faith-based grassroots community organization, Faith in the Valley. This collaboration significantly contributed to understanding safety needs and reimagining what that looks like for families by fostering outreach and engagement among residents.
To understand the needs of Fresno Housing’s residents, the agency and Faith in the Valley embarked on a targeted approach within the Southwest and Southeast Fresno Communities, impacting 12 properties, 884 units, and 2,500 residents, half of whom are youth. Through a three-phase approach involving a needs assessment survey, data analysis, and the development and implementation of the Safety Coalition and Community Engagement programs, the initiative has made great strides in community safety.
Fostering Economic Growth through Community Revitalization
Community Revitalization Award for the Monarch @ Chinatown development was bestowed upon Fresno Housing for recognizing its positive impact on the economic landscape of neighborhoods, and specifically for this development in the Fresno Chinatown neighborhood. This award highlights Fresno Housing’s role in promoting balanced growth, economic development, job creation, and neighborhood preservation. Through innovative financing, public-private partnerships, and mixed-use development, Fresno housing has been instrumental in revitalizing communities and creating supportive environments for residents to thrive.
Monarch @ Chinatown is a mixed-use development standing as a testament to Fresno Housing’s commitment to community revitalization. Located int eh heart of Chinatown Fresno, California, this zero-net energy affordable, workforce housing includes residential and commercial spaces. Offering one, two, and three-bedroom units, a community room, and approximately 4,700 square feet of commercial space, the development exemplifies Fresno Housing’s innovative approach to creating vibrant, sustainable communities.
A Model of Excellence and Innovation
Fresno Housing’s recognition at the 2023 NAHRO Merit Awards is a testament to its dedication to excellence, innovation, and creating vibrant communities. By addressing the complex needs of residents and pioneering sustainable developments, Fresno Housing enhances present living conditions and lays a solid foundation for growth and sustainability. These awards underscore the significant impact of the Agency’s efforts.
https://www.nahro.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NAHRO_2023_AwardsBooklet_WEB-2.pdf
