Burlington Housing Authority resident honored for leadership, service

From left, Laura Zeliger, Executive Director, Burlington Housing Authority; David Carpenter, Decker Towers resident; City of Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and HUD Vermont State Director Sean Thomas.

HUD's Vermont State Director has started a new program, the Unsung Hero Award, to honor the contributions of residents, staff and volunteers who have a significant impact on the lives of people living in HUD subsidized housing. The award will focus in particular on those who have assisted most recently with COVID-19 vaccination, safety and information efforts.

The first Unsung Hero of Housing Award was presented on August 4 to David Carpenter, a resident of Burlington Housing Authority's Decker Towers. Joining HUD's Vermont State Director, Sean Thomas, in presenting the award were City of Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger; Laura Zeliger, Executive Director for the Burlington Housing Authority and many Decker Towers residents.

David was presented with the first Unsung Hero of Housing Award for his service to his Decker Towers neighbors and for being the first person in the building to sign up for the vaccine clinic that was held on site earlier this year.

"He is a hero because he cares about his friends and neighbors, provides for their needs, serves as a morale booster to all and because he like many Americans stepped up to be vaccinated because it was the right thing to do," said Sean Thomas. "When I first met David, I knew he was a special person who needed to be recognized. He is loved by both neighbors and Burlington Housing staff alike, and his spirit permeates Decker Towers. When he told me that he wanted the vaccine ‘so that others would be safe,' I was inspired to start this recognition program to focus our attention on good people who care about others."

After receiving his award, the ever dutiful David Carpenter delivered meals to apartments throughout the building and demonstrating that a hero's work is never quite done.

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