Awards given for affordable housing

Eastside leaders who have played important roles in expanding affordable and diverse housing in East King County were honored Wednesday night.

Several programs and projects by cities and organization were also recognized during the ceremony in Bellevue, which was organized by A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH), a group created by several cities in the county to address housing needs.

Among the individuals honored last night was Linda Hall, a former executive for St. Andrew's Housing Group, a nonprofit housing-development organization. Hall has been an advocate of affordable housing in the county.

"Linda Hall is a passionate voice for affordable housing," said Arthur Sullivan, program manager for ARCH.

Doreen Marchione, president and CEO of Hopelink, was also recognized. Hopelink provides temporary housing for families in need.

"We are recognizing her because of her agency," Sullivan said. "They serve the neediest and provide housing for people that are homeless, but they also do a lot to get them back on their feet."

Eric Campbell, president of CamWest, a private developer, was also one of the award winners. His company built small homes in Kirkland for the city's "Innovative Housing Demonstration Program," which was one of two programs recognized.

His developments are "unique and on the cutting edge," Sullivan said.

Campbell's small homes provide an alternative to condominiums for couples and single people who want to live in residential neighborhoods, Sullivan said.

A program that provided housing for low-income adults with development disabilities in Bellevue and Redmond was the second program recognized.

Housing projects by Redmond, Bellevue and Woodinville that created low-income housing, temporary shelters and homes for senior citizens were also honored.

Manuel Valdes: 206-464-8305 or mvaldes@seattletimes.com