MassHousing Executive Director Thomas R. Gleason Receives National Award for Preserving Affordable Housing

BOSTON – March 16, 2010 – MassHousing Executive Director Thomas R. Gleason was recently presented with the 2010 Friend of the Elderly Award by the California-based Retirement Housing Foundation for his  longstanding efforts to preserve affordable housing for the elderly, economically disadvantaged families and people with disabilities.

 

Gleason, who has a 32-year career in affordable housing finance, received the prestigious award from the faith based, non-profit RHF for making a "substantial and unique contribution to the health, housing, social, psychological and spiritual quality of life for older persons," according to RHF CEO and President Dr. Laverne R. Joseph.  MassHousing has provided $133 million in financing to the RHF, enabling the non-profit to acquire eight housing developments with more than 1,500 units, preserving the long-term affordability of the properties for the low income, elderly residents.

 

"Tom Gleason has had a tremendous impact on helping to preserve as well as construct new affordable housing in the state of Massachusetts," said RHF CEO and President Dr. Laverne R. Joseph. "He understands the mission, knows the programs and is totally professional in helping to find solutions to problems. He and MassHousing have been crucial in Retirement Housing Foundation’s efforts in helping us preserve eight affordable housing communities for older adults and low-income families with 1,582 apartments."

 

The Retirement Housing Foundation is a national faith-based, non-profit organization of 158 housing communities in 24 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. RHF provides housing and services to more than 16,000 older adults, economically disadvantaged families and people with disabilities.

 

RHF’s Friend of the Elderly Award dates back to 1982 and among the award’s notable winners are U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, Willard Scott of NBC’s Today Show, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Fannie Mae.

 

"While I was humbled by the award," said Gleason, "I accepted it on behalf of the staff at MassHousing who have worked so hard over the years to promote and preserve quality affordable housing for the residents of Massachusetts."