THDA announces 2023 Tennessee’s Best awards recipients
March 8, 2023 – Tennessee Housing Development Agency has named five individuals and organizations as winners of the 2023 Tennessee’s Best awards.
The Tennessee’s Best awards honor outstanding contributors on behalf of affordable housing, whether producing, designing, developing, financing, promoting housing policy or inspiring others to serve Tennesseans’ housing needs. The winners were recognized at the 2023 Tennessee Housing Conference held on Feb. 28-March 1 in Nashville.
“The Tennessee’s Best awards recognize and honor those who are working to expand access to affordable housing throughout the state,” THDA Executive Ralph Perrey said. “These award winners embody that spirit and have helped Tennessee make great strides towards providing more affordable housing options.”
Winners for the 2023 Tennessee’s Best awards and their category include:
Regional Impact Award: Tennessee Homeless Solutions, in Jackson, Tenn., for its work providing homeless services in West Tennessee. THS administers several grant and supportive housing and services programs and was the recipient of $2.6 million in ESG-CV funding that was used to provide shelter, rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention services.
Neighborhood Stabilization: Tillman Cove, a partnership between Elmington Capital and Binghampton Development Corporation in Memphis, received housing credits and grant funding to build a 219-unit mixed-use residential development in an extremely blighted area of the city. The property features apartments, townhomes and independent senior living, in addition to retail space.
Legacy Award: Don Alexander, the long-time former executive director of the Crossville Housing Authority and chairman of the Tennessee Affordable Housing Coalition, was recognized for his continued work in retirement as a consultant who has assisted multiple housing authorities with securing grant funding and understanding the various programs offered by THDA.
Housing Leadership Award: Dwayne Spencer, was chosen for his leadership of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. During his time as CEO, Spencer has helped Memphis Habitat grow to assist 250-families per year and become the top affiliate in the United States for repair projects and aging-in-place/senior citizen repairs.
Director’s Award: HomeSource east tennessee for its use of a Tennessee Housing Trust Fund grant to build the Villages at Holston Place, which provides affordable housing to seniors and disabled adults. HomeSource worked with TennCare to help address the affordable housing needs of TennCare CHOICES participants.
Tennessee Best awards are presented as part of the annual Tennessee Housing Conference, which was created to allow housing professionals from throughout Tennessee and across the nation to network, discuss best practices and work on issues related to affordable housing.
Click here for press release - Tillman Cove
