Affordable Housing Pioneer Set to Speak at Rainbow Housing’s Event

PHOENIX – April 30, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Rainbow Housing Assistance Corporation, a nonprofit organization that provides service-enriched housing programs throughout the country, has selected affordable housing icon David A. Smith, whose work has impacted thousands of residents in 12 countries, to address Rainbow’s Annual Service Awards on May 1 in Phoenix.

Smith, who founded the Affordable Housing Institute 35 years ago, is regarded for his ability to find creative solutions – often through the formation of unique partnerships and coalitions – to overcome even the most complex affordable housing challenges. His work has brought permanent housing solutions to India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and, indeed, the United States.

“As affordability in this country reaches crisis levels, our problems are no less complex than anywhere else,” said Flynann Janisse, executive director for Rainbow. “David’s global success will certainly serve as an example of how developers, lenders and service providers might work together to improve the health of our own housing finance eco-system.”

Janisse said Smith’s ability to build coalitions – often comprising groups and individuals with opposing interests – in other countries should inspire their American counterparts to do the same.

Rainbow, which is deeply committed to fostering community relationships that allow the non-profit to better serve the needs of residents, created the annual awards banquet to reinvigorate the spirit of innovation and cooperation that Smith champions.

“On a night when we take stock of how far we’ve come in the fight for affordable housing and honor those who got us there, David will inspire us to think even bigger and more creatively,” Janisse added.

Rainbow’s 2014 Awards Banquet, which will be at The Wigwam Arizona Resort in Phoenix, will honor the Affordable Advocate of the Year, Innovative Service-Enriched Housing Partner, Affordable Community Project of the Year, Top Affordable Preservationist of the Year and Community Partner of the Year. The awards are the culmination of a full day of activities and fundraisers, including Rainbow’s annual Play It Forward Golf Tournament.

The event is open to the public and news media. For tickets and sponsorship information, contact Rainbow at (480) 719-7498 or visit www.rainbowhousing.org. News media may arrange event coverage and interviews by contacting The Hoyt Organization at (310) 373-0103.

Rainbow Housing Assistance Corporation (Rainbow) is a nonprofit organization that provides service-enriched housing programs for residents of rental housing communities throughout the country. With award-winning services available throughout the United States, Rainbow seeks to create and preserve quality, affordable housing for families and individuals of diverse ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.