The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency was recognized Friday, Dec. 18, by Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan at HUD's Washington, D.C., headquarters for its service to families impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

MDHA was one of 18 agencies honored. Executive Director Phil Ryan was in Washington for the ceremony.

"The entire MDHA team is honored by this national recognition from Secretary Donovan," said Ryan. "I am very proud of the volunteers of Nashville and Tennessee for their care and concern."

In September 2007, the federal government asked MDHA and other entities to provide permanent, long-term housing for displaced families who had been receiving rental housing assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and living in private rental units. Approximately 200 families were assigned to MDHA. In addition to housing, families also received comprehensive case management, including financial education, job training and other social services, to help them get back on their feet. MDHA partnered with Catholic Charities to provide case management.

In the days immediately following Katrina's Aug. 29, 2005, landfall in Louisiana and the subsequent evacuation, MDHA led a coalition of area groups to provide information and resources. The task force quickly assisted in arranging temporary housing for an estimated 17,000 people in Middle Tennessee.

Partner agencies and organizations included the Mid-Cumberland Community Service Agency; the State of Tennessee; HUD's Nashville Field Office; the Greater Nashville Apartment Association; Urban Housing Solutions; Catholic Charities of Tennessee; the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; the Nashville Career Advancement Center; Nashville Rescue Mission; Open Churches; Operation Andrew; Park Center; the Red Cross; Second Harvest Food Bank; Woodbine Community Organization; and The Housing Fund. A housing assistance center was established at MDHA's Randee Rogers Training Center to provide a one-stop-shop for those needing housing and other assistance.

 

###