Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority Wins Award of Excellence for Resident and Client Services
(Washington D.C.-Nov. 17, 2020)- Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority (PRHA) is a 2020 recipient of the Award of Excellence for Resident and Client Services by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) for developing a leadership academy for youth in the community.
“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.”
Olori Leadership Academy was founded by PRHA to equip young people with tools to become emerging community leaders. Based on the book “This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World” by author Matt Lamothe, a total of 20 kids participated in a six-week long summer program learning about seven different countries and cultures.
PRHA staff facilitated each session and provided transportation for the kids to the Swanson Homes Community Center where the program was held. Local restaurants generously donated meals for the kids to enjoy, representing each of the countries discussed, such as Indian and Japanese food. On the final day of the program, family members were invited to attend the program so their student could show them how to use a search engine or YouTube videos to assist them with activities and how to use a translator to look up the meaning and pronunciation of different words in a different language. The Olori Academy was the first time PRHA created an interactive after-school program for elementary aged youth aimed at exposing them to a variety of cultures and countries.
“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 Awards of Excellence
Nominated from among the Award of Merit winners each year, these Awards are chosen by national juries and presented at the annual National Conference and Exhibition. They represent the very best in innovative programs in assisted housing and community development.
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.