Washington, D.C., January 22, 2013 – John David, Director of the Southern Appalachian Labor School in Kincaid, WV, received the Skip Jason Award for Community Service from the Housing Assistance Council. This award, named for Robert M. “Skip” Jason, recognizes individuals whose efforts have improved the housing conditions of the rural poor in their communities. Representative Bennie Thompson (MS) presented the award.

John P. David is a founder of the Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS). Originally developed to bring educational programs to working people and labor unions, SALS now provides a wide variety of educational and training programs for youth and people of all ages. During the last decade, SALS has rehabilitated 180 homes, built 25 new homes, and repaired and weatherized over 1,000 homes. According to his staff, “John has never been able to pass on an opportunity to make his community, or the world, a better place for those lacking money, power, or education.”

“John has always been a tireless activist for rural people and communities,” said Moises Loza, Executive Director at HAC. “Rural poverty is an affront to his senses, and is highly invested personally in the well-being of rural West Virginians.”

John accepted his award at a ceremony at the National Rural Housing Conference in Washington, D.C.

About the Housing Assistance Council

A national nonprofit corporation headquartered in Washington, D.C., and founded in 1971, the Housing Assistance Council helps local organizations build affordable homes in rural America by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, research, training and information services. HAC’s programs focus on local solutions, empowerment of the poor, reduced dependency, and self-help strategies. HAC is an equal opportunity lender.

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Photos from this event are available online.
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/ruralhome/sets/72157632529141367/)