Housing Catalyst was recognized with two awards at the Colorado & Mountain Plains National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Annual Conference. The awards were presented during the conference held May 7-10, 2024 in Vail, Colorado.
People Award: Traci McGraw
For more than two decades, Traci McGraw has been an asset to Housing Catalyst. As Director of Rental Assistance Programs, Traci and her team administered $18.7 million in rental assistance to local families in 2023. Traci led Housing Catalyst’s effort to become a Moving To Work agency and is working to expand housing opportunities for voucher holders through strategic landlord incentives. She has also been instrumental in modernizing Housing Catalyst’s technology and processes to better serve program participants and property managers. Above all, Traci is a kind and conscientious colleague who is respected by her coworkers, peers, and community members. She is always willing to serve as a thought partner or subject matter expert for colleagues at other PHAs who are looking for best practices or new ideas. As Section 8 consultant Jonathan Zimmerman put it, Traci is a “consummate professional, engaged in a noble profession in a deeply meaningful way.”
Partnerships Award: Housing Catalyst Permanent Supportive Housing & Fort Collins Police Services
With nearly a decade of experience managing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Housing Catalyst has learned it takes a strong network of partners to provide appropriate supportive services. One vital and potentially unexpected partner is Fort Collins Police Services. Recognizing the relationships between people who have experienced chronic homelessness and emergency services personnel are often fraught, Housing Catalyst and Fort Collins Police Services have worked intentionally to build trust. Through open communication, staff and officer education, and resident events, this partnership helps Permanent Supportive Housing residents feel safe and seen, even in moments of crisis.
The Colorado NAHRO Awards recognize the people, projects and partnerships that enhance the affordable housing industry and promote viable communities in Colorado.