FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2006	Contact: Michele Anapol (202) 466-2121 x226 manapol@nhc.org

NHC KICKS OFF 75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, REDEDICATES ITSELF TO
“FULFILLING THE DREAM” FOR EVERY AMERICAN FAMILY

National Housing Conference Calls on Housing Leaders, Advocates and the Public to
Join in Both Celebrating its Legacy and in Shaping the Future of Housing Policy

Washington, DC - This month the National Housing Conference (NHC), the nation’s premier public policy and housing advocacy organization, kicks off its year-long 75th Anniversary Celebration. In addition to holding key events and activities throughout the year, the organization will be rededicating itself to pursuing policies and actions that will fulfill the dream articulated in the landmark Housing Act of 1949, which called for “a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family.” Ultimately, NHC will not only be celebrating its long legacy, but will be looking toward continuing to shape the future of housing policy and advocacy nationwide.

NHC’s legacy began in 1931 when it was founded by social worker and reformer Mary Kingsbury Simkhovitch.  Soon after the organization’s founding, the Federal Housing Administration was created in 1934, followed by passage of the first National Housing Act in 1937. NHC also led the fight for the passage of the landmark Housing Act of 1949, the most ambitious housing and urban renewal legislation Congress has ever enacted. 

The accomplishments of NHC continued in 1965 when a major objective was achieved with the creation of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  This was quickly followed by legislation including rent supplements, the expansion of public housing and the Fair Housing Act.

“Without question NHC has played a critical role in shaping housing policy and advocacy over the decades,” said NHC President and CEO Conrad Egan. “As we look toward the future, we hope to join with housing leaders, advocates and others to continue our important objectives so that we can help ‘fulfill the dream’ of a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family.”

Key events throughout the year that are scheduled to help celebrate NHC’s 75 years of leadership include:

• On April 27th in Los Angeles, CA, a policy conference entitled A Better Commute: The Link Between Housing and Transportation and awards luncheon will be held.
  
  
• On June 7th in Washington, DC, NHC will hold its 75th Anniversary Gala which will focus on the many accomplishments of the organization and its members.
  
  
• On October 11th and 12th in Chicago, IL, NHC will hold a policy conference taking a detailed look at the federal housing environment, as well as local and state policy solutions. The conference also will address the important linkages between housing and health, education and transportation.
  
  
• In December in New York, NY, the New York Housing Conference and NHC 33rd Annual Awards Luncheon will be held and will include a special look back at NHC’s 75 years of commitment.

It is important to note that Robert Reid has agreed to serve as general manager of the 75th Anniversary Celebration after stepping down as president and CEO of the Center for Housing Policy this month.  Prior to that, Reid also served as head of NHC for nearly a decade.

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