PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging John Michael Hall and Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman today presented Carl R. Greene with the first Secretaries' Award. Greene is the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, or PHA, the fourth largest in the nation. He oversees housing for more than 81,000 low-income citizens, older adults and residents with disabilities.

"Carl Greene has worked tirelessly to provide clean, safe, affordable and accessible housing for our older citizens and those with disabilities. He and the Philadelphia Housing Authority have been strong allies in the commonwealth's efforts to rebalance our long-term living system and make it possible for older adults and people with disabilities to stay in their communities, live independently and age in place," Hall said. "Carl understands that offering people who need long-term services the choice to remain in their communities only works if they have access to safe, affordable, accessible housing."

"Since 1998 Carl's work has been invaluable for thousands of people who need housing. Today, PHA provides housing for approximately 10,000 older Pennsylvanians and more than 11,000 people with disabilities," said Richman. "This is a remarkable achievement and there is no doubt that he will build on this success."

Under Greene's direction, the Philadelphia Housing Authority has replaced outdated high-rise buildings with more than 6,000 modern low-rise, high-quality homes.

In recent years, Greene has focused extra attention on meeting the demands of the market for low-income older Pennsylvanians by developing more units specifically designed for their needs. He has also worked closely with the state to create facilities that serve the elderly and those with disabilities. In fact, all of PHA's new communities include a higher percentage of accessible units than that required by law.

The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has noted PHA's excellent performance under Greene by designating it a Moving to Work agency. This designation allows the authority to have more flexibility in program design and use of federal funds.

"Serving disabled and older citizens who need our help is a reward and honor in itself. Being recognized by the Secretaries for that work is humbling and gratifying," Greene said of receiving the honor. "I accept the award on behalf of all PHA employees who commit themselves to public service every day."

The Secretaries' Award was established in 2009 to honor individuals and organizations that make extraordinary efforts on behalf of older Pennsylvanians and those with disabilities. The recipient is selected by the secretaries of Aging and Public Welfare.

For more information on the Department of Aging, visit www.aging.state.pa.us or call 717-783-1549.

Media contact: Jane Crawford, 717-783-1549

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging

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http://www.aging.state.pa.us/