Duane Yoder, president of the Garrett County Community Action Committee, received the 2010 Houser of the Year Award during the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition's (MAHC) annual meeting last month in Annapolis. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated "outstanding" overall achievement in the development of quality affordable rental housing in Maryland. Additionally, this individual is someone who, over the years, has helped to promote and preserve affordable housing opportunities for low-income Marylanders by tackling tough issues and advocating for the affordable housing industry in the state.
Yoder has been an industry leader who has advocated for or supported affordable housing for all of Garrett County for many years, according to county administrator Monty Pagenhardt, who attended the conference. "Duane is recognized by his peers from all around the state for his dedication and hard work," said Pagenhardt. "It was very evident to me that Garrett County is a model for every local jurisdiction throughout the state for our affordable housing program and the acknowledgment of Duane for this award was certainly deserving."
Pictured, left to right, are Bart Harvey, former chair/CEO of Enterprise Community Partners; Kim Fry, MAHC executive director; Gov. Martin O'Malley; Wallace Scruggs, MAHC board president; Secretary Raymond Skinner, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; and Yoder.