Sen. Kallman Honored for Housing Work
Sen. Meghan Kallman, center, and Rep. June Speakman, left, receive the “Friends of the Network” award from Jennifer Hawkins, right, of the Housing Network of Rhode Island.
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Meghan Kallman was honored by the Housing Network of Rhode Island at the organization’s annual meeting for her work promoting housing affordability. She, along with Rep. June Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol), received the “Friends of the Network” award.
“Our mission is to bring people together to make Rhode Island an equitable and affordable place to live for all our neighbors,” said Melina Lodge, executive director of Housing Network of Rhode Island. “That takes partners in government, and we have found excellent ones in Senator Kallman and Representative Speakman. Their leadership has helped so many Rhode Islanders secure a safe, affordable home for their families and we are grateful for their work.”
The Housing Network of Rhode Island is the state’s membership organization for agencies committed to the development of affordable housing and vital communities. It is composed of 15 community development corporations and affordable housing developers across Rhode Island. Housing Network members have created thousands of affordable housing units and are leading community revitalization and economic development efforts across the state.
The Friends of the Network Award is given to an individual or organization who has provided exceptional support to the Housing Network of Rhode Island and its membership.
The organization’s annual meeting was Monday night at the Providence G rooftop. Also honored were: Nancy Smith Greer, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Retired), receiving the Francis H. Smith Award; Anne Berman, from RIHousing, receiving the Joseph A. Caffey Award; Lynne Urbani, director of policy for Rhode Island House Speaker’s Office, receiving the Housing Innovation Award; and the Boston Globe RI and Uprise RI, receiving the Housing Elevation Award.
“The cost of housing is crippling our state,” said Senator Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence). “We know we can create vibrant, livable, affordable communities, but it takes all of us, pulling together. I am so grateful for all of the work the Housing Network of RI does and truly honored to be part of this work.”
