Building Dedicated to Housing Authority of Bowling Green Resident Hilda Sarver

Ms. Hilda Sarver holds the HUD Award presented to her by HUD Kentucky Field Office Director Christopher Taylor. Photo Credit: Housing Authority of Bowling Green

Over 100 people honored Ms Hilda Sarver by attending the dedication of Ms. Hilda's Hospitality House.

Over 100 people recently gathered together as the Housing Authority of Bowling Green (HABG) honored long-time resident, volunteer, and HABG Resident Commissioner Hilda Sarver with a Building Dedication Ceremony to rename its Hospitality House to Ms. Hilda's Hospitality House.

In 1996, with the assistance of Executive Director Abraham Williams, Ms. Hilda submitted a letter to the HABG Board of Commissioners requesting approval to establish what came to be known then as the Hospitality House and her request was approved.

After a complete remodel in 2002, the Hospitality House began offering daily programming for the elderly and disabled residents. Services provided at what is now known as Ms. Hilda's Hospitality House have expanded to include: art projects, literacy programs, health and physical education, community outings, food pantry distribution, financial literacy, emotional support, and socialization.

Remarks at the Dedication Ceremony were made by Susie Oldham, Chair of the HABG Board of Commissioners and Christopher Taylor, HUD Kentucky Field Office Director, who presented Ms. Hilda with a special HUD award.

"Ms. Hilda represents what is needed by residents in every housing community - leadership, volunteerism, and persistence," said Taylor. "She is a real asset to the housing authority and everyone living here. I am proud to be a part of this dedication along with Executive Director Abraham Williams and the Board of Commissioners."

"I never dreamed the building would be named after me," said Ms. Hilda. "It's not about recognition. It's about doing things for the seniors - a place to accommodate them where they can get the help they need."

Ms. Hilda Sarver and her family moved into the Housing Authority of Bowling Green in April of 1971, where she continues to live. Through the years, Ms. Hilda saw the need for a community building to serve the residents, who did not have homes large enough to accommodate large family events, gatherings, and other special occasions, and eventually approached Mr. Williams in 1996 about the community building, which he fully supported.

Since 1998, Ms. Hilda began volunteering for the HABG managing the food and clothing bank known as Ms. Annie's Place. From 2002 to present, she has served as the Resident Commissioner for the HABG Board of Commissioners.

Other accomplishments and awards received by Ms. Hilda include:

2001 Woman of Achievement Award "Lifetime Achievement Award";
2009 Jefferson Award "For Public Service";
2009 Daily Point of Light Award "Honoring Individuals and Groups Creating Meaningful Change in Communities";
2011 Ora F. Porter Community Service Award "For Outstanding Service to the Community of Bowling Green";
2013 Mother of the Church Award Little Zion Baptist Church; and
2014 Prince and Cora Mack Humanitarian Award NAACP Bowling Green/Warren Co. Branch.

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