Awards
Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) has a tradition of being honored as the recipient of numerous awards. GHA is proud of its many programs, events and services, as well as, all team members, residents and partners that have received recognition on behalf of the Greensboro Housing Authority.
Since 1991, GHA has been designated a High Performer in the US Department’s Public Housing Assessment System and Public Housing Management Assessment Program each year.
1991, GHA received the Region IV Public Housing Performance Award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Agency's specific activity with the Police Neighborhood Resource Center.
1993-1995, GHA was awarded the Sustained Performance Award in recognition of the Authority's excellence in overall management performance in the Public Housing Program for Fiscal Years 1993 through 1995 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development designated GHA as one of the best public housing agencies in the United States.
Since 2000, GHA has been designated a High Performer eight times and a Standard Performer three times in HUD’s Section Eight Management Assessment Program.
In 2000, GHA was awarded the HUD's Best Practices recognition for GHA’s African-American History and Cultural Arts Program.
In 2002, GHA received the Most Enthusiastic Award for the First Ever Business Journal Spirit of Greensboro Superlative Awards from the United Way of Greater Greensboro.
In 2003, GHA was awarded the Most Creative and Enthusiastic Campaign Award for GHA’s United Way campaign.
In Fiscal Year 2005, GHA was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers’ Association for the Authority's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reporting.
In 2005, The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency award GHA the Housing North Carolina Award for achievement in affordable housing at The Villas at Willow Oaks.
In 2006, GHA was awarded the Homes4NC Affordable Housing Achievement Project of the Year for the success of Willow Oaks.
In 2007, GHA, in partnership with Socialserve.com and the City of Greensboro, received the Award of Excellence in Administrative Innovation for Socialserve.com’s Greensboro rental property search website.
In 2008, GHA was awarded the Outstanding Single Project Award for Restoration of the Hampton Homes community and enhanced landscape and streetscape along South Elm-Eugene Street by Greensboro Beautiful.
In 2010, GHA’s homeownership program ranked 24th nationally and #1 statewide in the number of closings. HUD recognized GHA as one of the most successful programs of its type in the county.
In the Fiscal Year 2012, GHA was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Reporting.
In 2012, GHA was selected by the Greensboro Beautiful panel of judges to receive the organization’s May 2012 Business Landscape Award. GHA’s Central Office property located at 450 North Church Street was honored for its “outstanding contribution to the beautification of our city”.
In 2012, GHA received the Spirit of North Carolina Award for Campaign Excellence for a Not-for-Profit Agency with 101-200 employees.
In 2012, GHA was awarded the Outstanding Single Project Award for Claremont Courts Community by Greensboro Beautiful.
In 2012, GHA received the Building Healthy Homes award during the Housing Summit for the construction of a new community building and the renovation of existing apartments at Stoneridge, a Greensboro public housing community that is designated for the elderly.
In 2012, GHA was recognized with a Resolution from the Greensboro City Council for the work the Authority has done in the Claremont Courts Community and throughout the City of Greensboro.
In 2013, GHA received the Award of Excellence in recognition of the 40th year celebration of the Joint Social Work Field Instruction Program by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
In 2013, a resolution was presented and adopted by the City of Greensboro for GHA’s work throughout Greensboro and, in particular, for the modernization of Claremont Courts.
In 2013, GHA was awarded the 2012 Spirit of North Carolina Award by the United Way of North Carolina for its overall commitment to United Way and the generous support of management and employees.
In 2013, GHA was the winner of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s statewide Get Fit Challenge. The 40 GHA employees who participated in the program lost a total of 207 pounds and improved their fitness level by 59.61%.
In 2018, GHA was given a Certificate of Appreciation for the overwhelming support and commitment to the NXT Generation Movement and The Portal Summer Camp.
In 2018, GHA received the 2018-2019 United Way Pacesetter Award from United Way of Greater Greensboro.
In 2019, GHA received the 2019-2020 United Way Pacesetter Award from United Way of Greater Greensboro.
National Award of Merit from the National Association for Housing and Redevelopment Officials:
2000 – INASMUCH – A partnership established with the faith-based community in Greensboro, INASMUCH provides groceries and other needed items to those living in GHA communities.
2002 – Mother’s Morning Out – A component to GHA’s Family Self Sufficiency Program, Mother’s Morning Out provided a variety of training workshops to boost the participants’ self esteem and teach needed job-seeking skills.
2003 – Solar Energy Study Project – NC A&T University students installed Photovoltaic panels atop a GHA building in order to study the practicality and measure potential savings that could be realized through the use of solar energy.
2005 – Computer Tots – In cooperation with COMPUTERTOTS, weekly computer classes for children 3-5 years old in GHA communities were established to teach computer awareness, to build the skills needed for Kindergarten, and instill self-confidence in a positive, social environment.
2005 – Safety Incentive Program –The Safety Incentive Program was implemented with the objective to reduce the number of days lost due to on-the-job injuries, thereby increasing productivity in the short run and, in the long run, reducing worker’s compensation insurance rates and increasing morale. The program awards employees one hour off for each month GHA experiences a “zero-days-lost” month.
2006 – HOPE VI Development – A massive redevelopment effort to transform one of Greensboro Housing Authority’s oldest public housing communities to a mixed-income community, Willow Oaks is a beautiful mixed-income community that features rental and homeownership opportunities.
2006 – Welcome Home Homeownership - The Welcome Home Homeownership Program was established as a one-stop shop for participants. Extensive case management combined with assistance from local housing and credit counseling agencies before, during, and after the home purchase has made this a successful program.
2006 - Administrative Innovation - GHA received the 2006 National Award of Merit in Administrative Innovation.
2007 – Socialserve.com – Thanks to a partnership between Greensboro Housing Authority and socialserve.com, Greensboro residents now have easy access to affordable housing properties. Simply by visiting www.socialserve.com and selecting their preferred language, bedroom size, rent range and area, participants can view a customized list of the latest affordable housing.
2008 – Holy Hook Up – Addressing the material needs of public housing residents through a partnership with Welfare Reform Liaison Project, Holy Hook Up allows residents to purchase needed paper and personal items, normally not covered by other assistance programs, at very reduced prices.
2009 – Operation Smart Choices (OSC) – Unique in design, the OSC program provides youth the opportunity to spotlight the problems of gang involvement, substance abuse, and other teen health risks they face in their lives and share their solutions using their thoughts, talents and points of view in this theatrical production program.
2010 – Willow Oaks Congregational Nursing Program – A program established in partnership with Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation and Greensboro’s faith community to provide free wellness, health education and chronic disease management services to residents of the Willow Oaks Community.
2011 – Hampton Homes Modernization and Landscaping – Awarded to GHA for the large-scale interior and exterior renovations of 275 existing apartments, the addition of a resource center, and the extensive landscape design that transformed this public housing community.
2012 - Stoneridge Renovation and Construction - GHA received the 2012 National Award of Merit in Program Innovation - Project Design for the Stoneridge Renovation and Construction.
2013 - Computer Explorers - Pre-K and Mommy Class - Designed to enhance the development of preschool children, while also preparing “Mommy” to enter the workforce, the computer class assists three to four-year-old preschool children with school readiness while allowing parents computer time to create resumes and complete job searches online.
2015 - It’s Your Time to Shine Theater Arts Program - This theatre arts program for youth ages five to seventeen in the Claremont Courts community. The program inspired imagination and provided a needed platform for youth’s talent to shine.
2016 - Reading is My Superpower - In the summer of 2015, GHA did more than feed the body of those attending the Summer Lunch Program in our communities. GHA staff members, volunteered their Reading Superpower and a portion of their lunch hour to visit and read to children receiving lunch in our communities. “Reading is My Superpower!” combines existing resources to offer this low-cost literacy program for our youth and challenged us to do more to place books in the hands of youth living in our communities.
2017- Bowling for the Ages - Bowling for the Ages allows our senior residents the opportunity to be part of a team competing for national recognition in the Wii Bowling Senior League. The benefits of the program, which are held in each senior community, have been amazing with seniors reporting improvements in social, physical and mental well-being and increased confidence in their abilities.
2017 - Teens Trained for Greatness - Teens Trained for Greatness (TTG) empowers youth to select, plan and promote activities that develop leadership skills and access to positive outcomes.
2018 - Operations Data Trackers - GHA, seeking to improve processes and become more effective through the use of data, developed two data tracking tools to aggregate case management and events data for the Resident Services Team and occupancy data to monitor vacancies for the Public Housing/Project-Based Vouchers Intake Team.
2018 - Free Reading and Math Enrichment (F.R.A.M.E.) - In order to address the income achievement gap, GHA’s Resident Services Group partnered with a local church to offer, “Free Reading and Math Enrichment”— F.R.A.M.E. This program addresses these issues through academic enrichment instruction focusing on improving reading and math skills during the summer months.
2018 - Hall Towers Senior Community Garden - Gardening for seniors has well-researched health and social benefits. Gardening activities increase socialization, develop hobbies and help provide a sense of purpose. GHA staff provided tools and ongoing instruction.
2019 - Financial Freedom Seminars - To meet resident’s needs, GHA began offering Financial Freedom seminars focusing on money management and home buying education. Positive outcomes from participants include increased savings, increased credit scores, improved housing situations and improved home affordability.
2019 - LENA Start (Language Environment Analysis) - Research shows that children who lag in language development early on are at a disadvantage for their futures and the roots of socio-economic inequality start to take form. To meet these critical needs, Greensboro Housing Authority offered LENA (Language Environment Analysis) Start, a program that focuses on early language development to more effectively prepare youth for school and life.
2019 - Read to Achieve - Read to Achieve was designed for children in GHA communities, kindergarten through third grade, to improve literacy and school performance. Participants have shown improved reading skills, underscoring the program’s positive results.
2020 - Eco-Explore - This week-long environmental experience for youth in our Applewood community, allowed children to explore the natural environment in their own community. Partnering with the Kathleen Clay Library branch, this program helped participants reconnect to nature, which is shown to have cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits over time.
2020 - Pre-Ballet Program - Partnering with Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet, this program introduced GHA's young residents (youth ages 2 to 4) ballet concepts and techniques while also cultivating self-worth, community support, confidence, and improved social skills.
2020 - Dancing Dreamers - This outreach program empowers youth, ages 9 to 14, to realize their dreams through dance. Inspirational topics are intertwined into formal dance instruction, encouraging self-expression, and teaching a means to discover a path for their lives. This program was presented in partnership with Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet.
2020 - Scattered-Site Bundle - Utilizing HUD's Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD), GHA accomplished much-needed upgrades to 646 units of housing with residents-in-place. This cost-effective process allowed GHA to maintain the long-term preservation of affordable housing in the City of Greensboro.
2021 - Cooking Matters - GHA received the 2021 National Award of Merit in Resident and Client Services for the Cooking Matters Program.
2022 - Foxworth Veteran Family Housing - GHA received the 2022 National Award of Merit in Affordable Housing for the Foxworth Veteran Family Housing.
2022 - Backpack Giveaway Event - GHA received the 2022 National Award of Merit in Resident and Client Services for the Backpack Giveaway Event.
2022 - Strategic Agency Messaging - GHA received the 2022 National Award of Merit in Administrative Innovation for Strategic Agency Messaging.
2023 - Molding Kids for Success - GHA received the 2023 National Award of Merit in Resident and Client Services for the Molding Kids for Success Program.
2023 - The System of Healthy Living - GHA received the 2023 National Award of Merit in Resident and Client Services for The System of Healthy Living.
Human Service Award from the Southeastern Regional Council of the National Association for Housing and Redevelopment Officials:
2007 - Holy Hook Up - Addressing the material needs of public housing residents through a partnership with Welfare Reform Liaison Project, Holy Hook Up allows residents to purchase needed paper and personal items, normally not covered by other assistance programs, at very reduced prices.
2008 - Operation Smart Choices - Unique in design, the OSC program provides youth the opportunity to spotlight the problem of gang involvement, substance abuse and other teen health risks they face in their lives, and to share their solutions using their thoughts, talents, and points of view in this theatrical production program.
2009 - Internship Program - By establishing a partnership with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, GHA became an internship unit for the Joint Social Work Field Instruction Program and expanded the students’ classroom to include real-world experiences at GHA.
2012 - Stoneridge Renovations - Renovations to the elderly-designated public housing community included the installation of chair lifts in all bi-level apartments; the modification of three, two-story apartments to one-story, handicap accessible homes; and the addition of a 1,650 square-foot community center built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) silver certification.
2014 - GHA recived the Newsletter Award for an Extra Large Housing Authority.
2014 - It’s Your Time to Shine Theater Arts Program - This theatre arts program for youth ages five to seventeen in the Claremont Courts community. The program inspired imagination and provided a needed platform for youth’s talent to shine.
2017 - GHA received recognition from SERC-NAHRO for Reading is My SUperpower.
2018 - Free Reading and Math Enrichment (F.R.A.M.E.) - In order to address the income achievement gap, GHA’s Resident Services Group partnered with a local church to offer, “Free Reading and Math Enrichment”— F.R.A.M.E. This program addresses these issues through academic enrichment instruction focusing on improving reading and math skills during the summer months.
2019 - GHA received the Website of the Year Award for the Extra Large Public Housing Authority from SERC-NAHRO.
2021 - GHA received the Award of Merit in recognition of dedicated service from SERC-NAHRO.
Carolina Council of Housing, Redevelopment and Codes Officials Awards:
2009 - GHA awarded the Human Services Award for Large Housing Authorities for its Internship Program by the Carolina Council of Housing, Redevelopment and Codes Officials.
2013 - GHA received the Human Service Award for 'Computer Explorers: Pre-K & Mommy Class'.
2014 - GHA received the Human Service Award for 'It's Your Time to Shine Theater Arts Program'.
2015 - GHA received the Human Services Award for the 'Greensboro Housing Authority Art Workshops'.
2017 - GHA received recognition for High Performance SEMAP from CCHRCO.
2017 - GHA received the Human Service Award for 'Bowling for the AGES'
2019 - GHA received the Website of the Year Award
