SISTERS OF CHARITY FOUNDATION OF CLEVELAND RECEIVES HUD SECRETARY'S AWARD
HUD and Council on Foundations honor work of place-based funding organization

WASHINGTON - Across the nation, philanthropic organizations and community foundations work to improve neighborhoods and the lives of the people who live in them, often without much recognition for the critical work that they do. Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in partnership with the Council on Foundations, announced the 2013 winners of the HUD Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships (www.huduser.gov/portal/about/Pub_Phil_2013_Intro.html).

Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland is being recognized for its outstanding partnership with the public sector to improve housing and neighborhoods, education, health and recreation, transportation, community participation, arts and culture, public safety, sustainability, and economic development. The award was presented at the Council on Foundations' Community Foundations Conference in San Diego.

"These organizations are doing the heavy lifting to improve neighborhoods, often without much thanks. Today, we say 'thank you!'" said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "These foundations are teaming up with public and private partners to bring about positive change and lasting solutions that are making a real difference in their communities."

"These awards provide us all a moment to reflect on the good work that foundations are doing to advance communities across the country," said Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations. "I am grateful to HUD and Secretary Donovan for recognizing the many different ways that foundations are thoughtfully responding to the needs of those around them."

"We are excited and honored to receive this recognition. The foundation is committed to improving the lives of those most in need, with special attention to families, women and children living in poverty," said Susann H. Krey, President. "Since our inception in 1996, the foundation has focused on ending chronic homelessness by investing in strategies and solutions proven to work. The Housing First Initiative - which the foundation helped to convene in 2002 - has created more than 500 units with the dignity, permanence and comforts of home for individuals who had once experienced long-term homelessness. As a result, our community is well on its way to ending chronic homelessness, with a 62% reduction since 2006 when the first Housing First site opened. The HUD award is a testament to the foundation's belief that ending homelessness is possible when we work together toward a shared outcome. This honor is because of that collaboration, commitment and dedication to the vision," she said.

Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland works to improve the lives of those most in need with special attention to families and women and children living in poverty. Its funding priorities are in ending homelessness, reducing health and education disparities and supporting the ministries of women religious. In conjunction with many partners, the foundation is also the lead convener for a Promise Neighborhood in Cleveland's Central Neighborhood. The foundation carries forward the mission of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, who have served Ohio and South Carolina for over 160 years through a number of health and human services.

"Working with the City of Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services, Sisters of Charity Foundation has made a huge and encouraging difference in chronic homelessness in Cleveland," said Antonio R. Riley, HUD's Midwest Regional Administrator.

HUD Secretary Awards are given to place-based funders for completed or ongoing initiatives that are executed in partnership with a local, regional, or federal government agency.

Read more about the winners announced today and the HUD Secretary's Award for Community Foundations (www.huduser.gov/portal/about/Pub_Phil_2013_Intro.html).

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.

The Council on Foundations (www.cof.org), formed in 1949, is a nonprofit membership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. Council members include more than 1,700 independent, operating, community, public and company-sponsored foundations, and corporate giving programs in the United States and abroad. The Council's mission is to provide the opportunity, leadership, and tools philanthropic organizations need to expand, enhance, and sustain their ability to advance the common good.