With an unusually profound level of care and respect for those
intended to occupy his housing projects, Clancy significantly
influenced the design of successful housing for low- and moderate-
income communities. At the request of Goody Clancy, the program is
administered by the Boston Society of Architects / AIA.

Boston AIA 2011 Clancy Award

The Home Depot Foundation has presented First Community Housing with its national Award of Excellence for Affordable Housing Built Responsibly for the Casa Feliz Studios development.    FCH was the winner in the Rental-Housing category and was presented with their award at the GreenBuild International Conference & Expo sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council in Chicago, IL on November 18, 2010.

The award comes with a $75,000 grant that will be used to help support Casa Feliz Studios’ management staff salaries so that they can oversee and house 60 low-income individuals, 35% of whom are developmentally disabled, in a safe, attractive, light-filled environment.

“We believe that healthy, affordable homes are the cornerstone of strong families and thriving communities,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation.  “The Casa Feliz Studios project completed by First Community Housing demonstrates that by following the principles of energy efficiency and using good quality products and finishes, families can reap the benefits of lower monthly utility costs and healthier surroundings.  We are confident that the work done by First Community Housing will serve as a model for all developers.”

Home Depot Foundation Affordable Housing Winners

Or, view the video on YouTube, Casa Feliz Studios HDF award.

First Community Housing Corp. (FCH) is committed to making a positive impact on our community by building high-quality, eco-friendly, affordable housing developments and offering resident services that meet the needs of those who earn less than the area’s median income. FCH is noted for its commitment to using green building products, for building close to public transportation, and for providing educational opportunities and free Eco Passes to our residents. Our residents have said the Eco Pass is the kind of benefit and convenience that makes them glad they live where they live.

Many planning departments offer a 5-10% parking reduction for location near transit and an annual Eco Pass program. An urban structured parking space can cost from $22,000 to $40,000 per space. Saving the construction cost of two parking spaces pays for our entire Eco Pass program. – Jeff Oberdorfer, AIA, Executive Director, FCH

• FCH Residential Eco Pass Program

FCH can now be found on GuideStar. Visit GuideStar for our newsletter and other information.

• FCH on GuideStar

Craig Gardens raised garden beds

Acterra’s Business Environmental Awards is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s oldest and most prestigious environmental recognition programs. Initiated in 1990, it is considered a heavyweight among award programs due to its rigorous application and judging process. “Our awardees must demonstrate their environmental commitment and achievements through a careful vetting process,” states Board President Laura Teksler. “In addition to a thorough written application, the top contenders must demonstrate their programs’ merits firsthand to the judges during a visit to the applicants’ facilities. By the time they are selected to receive our award, they have truly proven that their programs are “setting the bar” in corporate environmental leadership.”

“First Community Housing was pursuing green standards in buildings long before LEED came to the forefront. Some of FCH’s most remarkable sustainability features include: creating a unique sustainable facilities manager position to oversee compliance and institutionalize the culture of green operation & maintenance in a traditionally high-turnover workforce… and implementing a comprehensive green purchasing policy that favors local, sustainable vendors. We applaud FCH for truly raising the sustainability bar in the public housing development sector and beyond.” -Christine Kohl-Zaugg, Judging Committee Chair, Business Environmental Awards.

View the video on YouTube, FCH Acterra 2011 BEA.

More on the BEA Program.

GEELA is the California’s highest and most prestigious environmental honor. The award program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership for voluntary achievements in conserving California’s resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships.

“This honor recognizes First Community Housing’s commitment to developing socially responsible and environmentally friendly practices that promote environmental protection and economic growth,” said Gary Schoennauer, FCH Board Chairman. “FCH has shown a strong commitment to protect our community’s natural resources and environment for generations to come.”

http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA/2010/default.htm

• 2010 CRA Conference.pptx

PG&E is dedicated to assisting low-income, disabled and senior citizen customers through numerous programs and community outreach projects.

• PG&E Financial Assistance Programs