Washington, D.C., January 22, 2013 – Patty Griffiths, Housing Program Manager of Community Action Commission of Fayette County in Washington Court House, OH, 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.

Patty Griffiths began working at CAC of Fayette County (CAC) in 1992 to do pre-development activities for CAC’s self-help housing program. At that time, there only one self-help housing program in Ohio, and it was about to close. Patty overcame many obstacles to obtain the necessary operating support for the project. Since then, CAC has constructed more than 250 self-help homes, developed and implemented a homeownership program for low-income families, and used many funding sources and innovative options to carry out the agency’s housing mission.

“Patty is a tireless activist for rural people and communities,” said Moises Loza, Executive Director at HAC. “Her dedication to serving the people of rural Ohio is unparalleled and HAC is proud to partner with her to build stronger rural communities.”

Patty 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/72157632534385967/)