Kind Policy

Makers Award

The Kind Policy Award was given for the first time in 1997. It takes its name from the "Kind Hearted Woman" symbol of the Great Depression which became a way for one transient person to communicate to the next that the house outside which the sign was scratched or drawn was a home where a meal might be obtained and human kindness was present.

So the Kind Policy Award is not just a recognition of housing achievements, but also a means of taking note of Delawareans who have helped to make our state a more hospitable place for our fellow citizens who are ill-housed, precariously housed, and homeless. Its essence is the treatment of fellow human beings in a way which conveys respect and equality, while attempting to help.

Previous Kind Policy Makers

Alice Brandreth
for her work over many years helping to form and guide
the Public Assistance Task Force and in making
the realities of poverty in Delaware an issue of public importance

Kim Brockenbrough
Manager, The Housing Capacity Building Program
and former Director, The Shepherd Place
for the spirit of mutual respect which she has brought to all of her years
of working with the homeless and the housed

Senator George Bunting
Delaware General Assembly
for his concern for affordable housing issues in Sussex County
and in the state and his promotion of more security of tenure
for mobile home/manufactured home residents

Representative Michael N. Castle
for his attention to rural housing development needs and the right of tenants to organize

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (Wilmington Diocese)
for their understanding and nurturing of the work of tenant organizing in Delaware

Dr. Karen Curtis
Associate Professor, University of Delaware
for her encouragement of many grassroots community initiatives
and her dedication to research which makes a difference in the lives of ordinary Delawareans

Del Failing
Deputy Director, People's Place
for his lifelong dedication to providing housing with effective supportive services

First State R. C. And D.
for its unique and effective housing rehabilitation program

Bishop Major Foster
Philadelphia Holiness Church
for his work for the poor and homeless of Sussex County

Terri Hasson
Vice President, Citibank Delaware
for her extraordinary championing of manufactured housing communities

Marian Hinson
Director, Home Life Management Center
for lifelong work among the homeless and displaced of New Castle County

Richard Kirschner
former Director, The Sunday Breakfast Mission
for his initiative in meeting the needs of the homeless men

Annie McKenzie
for her faith-based ministry to the homeless and neglected of Wilmington

Joe Myer
Executive Director, NCALL Research
for his dedication to meeting rural housing needs
and fostering the growth of community-based housing groups

Sadie Nance
President, Delaware State Wide Association of Tenants
for her patient and visionary leadership in the founding of the first statewide organization for poor renters

Steve Peuquet
CCDFP, College of Education, University of Delaware
for dedication to engaged research, documentation of homeless issues,
and the expansion of affordable housing

Lori Phillips, Esq.
May 7, 1956 - April 18, 2004
The Law Offices of Edward C. Gill
for her zealous advocacy for decent housing in Delaware

Roger Pryor
Discover Bank
for his vigorous and wholehearted support of community groups
and affordable housing 

Olga Ramirez
for her work over many years helping to form and guide
the Public Assistance Task Force and in making
the realities of poverty in Delaware an issue of public importance

Roland Ridgeway
First USA
for lifelong commitment to the success of nonprofits
and for creative and insightful community reinvestment policies

Rodger D. Smith, III, Esq.
Morris, Nichols, Arsht, and Tunnell
for helping Greenfield Manor tenants save their homes

Karen Speakman
Deputy Director, NCALL Research
for her dedication to providing of housing to the ill-housed

Roxie Sturgis
for innovative housing counseling and education
and successful placement work with the homeless

William H. Sudell, Jr., Esq.
Morris, Nichols, Arsht, and Tunnell
for helping Greenfield Manor tenants save their homes

Erika Y. Tross, Esq.
Morris, Nichols, Arsht, and Tunnell
for helping Greenfield Manor tenants save their homes

Harold Truxon
President, Ellendale Civic Association
for his lifelong work to improve the life and community of Ellendale

David J. Weidman, Esq.
Hudson, Jones, Jaywork, & Fisher
for his wise and effective counselor to the Morris Mill Pond Cooperative

Catherine Wheat
for her work with the residents of Oak Orchard West Manufactured Home Park

Chris White
Deputy Director, Community Legal Aid Society
for his advocacy on the behalf of the tenants
and the homeless of Delaware