Lake County Housing Authority names 'What Home Means to Me' contest winner
Lake County Housing Authority has announced the winner of a recent poster contest.
Taylor Smith of North Chicago captured the "What Home Means to Me" contest for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders from Lake County's public housing agency.
Of several submissions, the judges voted Taylor's poster the best in the middle school-age category for Lake County.
"I am personally and professionally very proud of Taylor. The exposure she and others receive from a variety of educational and social activities is instrumental in shaping the lives of well-rounded youth," said David A. Northern, Sr., executive director/CEO of the Lake County Housing Authority.
Agency officials described Taylor as an energetic and outgoing girl who always strives to make the best of any situation. She is part of the dance team at Neal Math and Science Academy in North Chicago and a strong participant in housing authority programs, such as Cooking for Kids and Horse Therapy.
Her poster represents her dream home full of love and family within the new development on the footprint of the current Marion Jones townhouses in North Chicago.
Marion Jones is relocating residents as demolition will begin at year's end to make way for an estimated 238 new affordable rental homes for families and seniors. The development will be completed in late 2016.
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment officials have joined with affordable housing partners across the state and country in support of the trade organization's Housing America 2014 campaign.
It aims to educate decision-makers and raise public consciousness about the critical need for housing and community development initiatives.
As part of the Housing America campaign, a poster contest is held each year for children living in affordable housing and community developments owned or administered by member agencies. Posters reflect the national theme of "What Home Means to Me."
The Illinois branch of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment presented each poster winner with an award and prizes. Part of the fun included a trip to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.