WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi today received the "2006 Housing Champion Award" from an organization representing dozens of upstate New York public housing directors.

The New York State Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (NYSPHADA) presented its second annual award to Bernardi during a ceremony in Syracuse for his many decades' work to increase affordable housing opportunities for lower income families. NYSPHADA represents 52 small, medium and large public housing authorities that houses more than 90,000 lower income households throughout upstate New York.

James A. Mirando, NYSPHADA President and Director of the Elmira, NY Housing Authority said, "Roy Bernardi has devoted his career to improving the health of cities and communities across the country. Be it his open-door policy or his strong support of housing and community development programs throughout New York State, Roy Bernardi has proven himself to be a champion."

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.