At our upcoming Fall Convention, Mass Union will present the first-ever Housing Authority of the Year award to the Melrose Housing Authority. This award was created to highlight the incredible work that Local Housing Authorities are able to accomplish when they center tenant voices and to provide examples of excellent stewardship of public housing assets.
“We are thrilled to present this honor for the first time,” said Dave Underhill, Mass Union’s Board Chair. “This award is going to a Housing Authority that provides sound management, encourages and values tenant participation, and respects all tenants at all times.”
On Friday, August 28, the Selection Committee, made up of Mass Union board members, affiliates, staff and partners, announced that the Melrose Housing Authority had won the award.
The Steele House Community Tenant Association (SHCTA) nominated the Melrose Housing Authority, under the leadership of Executive Director Martin Corona, for this honor. SHCTA highlighted Martin’s leadership during a State-funded $2 million electrical upgrade project at Steele House. Residents raised serious concerns about issues related to the project, and Martin took those concerns seriously, acting as an ally to the tenants and a true steward of the property.
“Martin consistently puts residents first in everything he strives to accomplish,” shared the SHCTA Board. “He listens to resident concerns, values our input, and works collaboratively to find solutions that improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. His leadership is built on respect, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serving the people who call public housing home.”
“We are honored and ecstatic to be chosen as the inaugural winner of the LHA of the Year Award,” said Martin Corona, “Being the inaugural winner brings tears of joy to my staff and me. Melrose Housing Authority appreciates Steele LTO and Mass Union for your efforts in educating and empowering residents to become community leaders and having a seat at both the policy and decision-making table with MHA Commissioners and staff.”
The Melrose Housing Authority will be presented with the award at Mass Union’s Fall Convention on October 3, when tenant leaders from across Massachusetts gather for two and a half days of programming, including keynotes, workshops, and officer elections.