National Call for Entries: 2012 MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing

COLUMBIA, Md., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2012 MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing is officially open for entries. Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. and MetLife Foundation continue to focus on best practices in the area of green and service-enriched affordable housing for seniors. The deadline for entries is May 23, 2012.

"The MetLife Foundation Awards are building momentum for the creation of innovative housing solutions to fulfill the unique housing needs of seniors. The program recognizes communities that provide residents access to medical services, public transportation and wellness activities, allowing seniors to age in place in a green, healthy environment," said Melinda Pollack, vice president, Enterprise. "We thank MetLife Foundation for partnering with us to celebrate exceptional, affordable senior housing."

Started in 1996, the program has honored 93 affordable housing developers and service providers across the country and has awarded more than $1.7 million to the winners. Created to showcase models of excellence in design, supportive services, operations and property management in affordable housing, the awards have consistently offered the winning organizations support and recognition for their work. This year, the four winning organizations will receive $50,000 each in unrestricted funds, a local recognition event and a commemorative plaque. Entries must be from recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and Tribes/Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs). Each entry will also need to include information on innovation in supportive services and green building technology. 

Submissions for the 2012 MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing must be received via online application by midnight Pacific Standard Time, Wednesday, May 23. The awards will be presented to the four winning organizations at their local recognition events.

For more information and/or to apply, visit www.enterprisecommunity.org/metlifeawards.

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife's longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Through programs that focus on empowering older adults, preparing young people and building livable communities, MetLife Foundation help increase access and opportunities for people of all ages. Since its founding, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $530 million in grants to nonprofit organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. For more information visit www.metlife.org.

Enterprise is a leading provider of the development capital and expertise it takes to create decent, affordable homes and rebuild communities. For 30 years, Enterprise has introduced neighborhood solutions through public-private partnerships with financial institutions, governments, community organizations and others that share our vision. Enterprise has raised and invested more than $11 billion in equity, grants and loans to help build or preserve nearly 300,000 affordable rental and for-sale homes to create vital communities. Visit www.EnterpriseCommunity.org and www.EnterpriseCommunity.com to learn more about Enterprise's efforts to build communities and opportunity.

SOURCE Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.