The Iowa Finance Authority recently recognized outstanding housing initiatives and leaders through the annual HousingIowa Awards. The HousingIowa Awards recognize outstanding programs, projects and professionals for leadership and innovation in advancing housing opportunities for Iowans. The award categories include: Single-Family Development, Multifamily Development, Innovation, Special Needs Development, Legislative Friend of Housing and the Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa Award.
HousingIowa award nominations are accepted each year and an independent panel of judges determines the statewide award winners.
Single-Family Development
East Central Development Corporation – Maquoketa Pocket Neighborhood, Maquoketa
The Maquoketa pocket neighborhood offers an innovative neighborhood design that appeals to multiple types of buyers, from the first-time homebuyer to the senior citizen wanting to downsize and retire. The 10 homes located in the Bear River Cottages pocket neighborhood are centered around a landscaped common area and all face each other. This creates a community that fosters relationships, complete with front porches, a gazebo and other shared amenities.
Multifamily Development
Premier Housing Management, Louden Lofts, Fairfield
The Louden Lofts are the result of a transformation of an historic property into housing for the local workforce, as well as a gathering place and invaluable community asset. The 44 new apartments feature open floor plans with beamed ceilings along with a charming mix of historical elements and modern amenities.
Innovation Award
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, Waterloo
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity has adopted targeted neighborhood revitalization as their preferred approach to addressing housing challenges in hopes of improving the quality of life for families in local neighborhoods. Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity began this initiative with the highly successful transformation of Waterloo’s historic Walnut Neighborhood and they are now scaling their success in the Church Row neighborhood of Waterloo.
Special Needs Development
Willis Dady, Cedar Rapids
Willis Dady Works is an example of helping Iowans get back on their feet with employment assistance in tandem with housing to support long-term stability. Willis Dady Works is a multi-use project that will provide employment services and long-term supportive housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The project is expected to be complete late this year and will be a one-stop shop for workforce training, direct employment, and on-site business enterprises with case management.
Legislative Friend of Housing
Representative Brian Lohse
Representative Brian Lohse of Bondurant received the 2022 The Legislative Friend of Housing Award in recognition of his contributions to advancing protections for owners of manufactured homes and his commitment to being an advocate for housing in Iowa.
Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa
Crissy Canganelli, Shelter House, Iowa City
This award was created in honor of Kay Anderson, a long-time member of the Iowa Finance Authority Board of Directors and resident of Le Mars. The Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa Award has rightfully gained a prestigious reputation and past award winners have truly encompassed Kay’s outstanding qualities and exceptional record of service. Crissy Canganelli, Executive Director of Shelter House in Iowa City was named the 2022 Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa award recipient.
Crissy Canganelli, Executive Director of Shelter House in Iowa City was named the 2022 Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa award recipient. Since being named Executive Director in 1998, Crissy has grown Shelter House’s assets from $75,000 to $12.1 million, significantly increasing both supportive services and housing opportunities for Iowans experiencing homelessness during her tenure.
Crissy has served as a tireless advocate and housing leader for Iowa City and the state for many years, committed to the belief that housing is a human right. She led the design, construction, and opening of Iowa’s first Housing First permanent supportive housing rental apartment building, moving 24 individuals out of chronic homelessness and into a home of their own. She then opened another property with an additional 36 apartments for the hardest to house individuals in Iowa City and continues her unwavering work in ensuring every Iowan has a place to call home.
More information about the HousingIowa Award winners is available at housingiowaconference.com