Cumberland County Housing Executive Wins 2010 Supportive Housing Award

Christopher Gulotta honored for 30 years of work developing supportive housing

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Christopher Gulotta, executive director of the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, was honored last night with the Commonwealth's Supportive Housing Award.

The award was presented during the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania's annual "Homes Within Reach" conference awards program in Harrisburg.

The Commonwealth's Supportive Housing Award annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have taken a leading role in creating quality housing opportunities in Pennsylvania. The award – sponsored by the Department of Public Welfare, Department of Aging and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency – recognizes those who have made significant efforts to increase and enhance supportive housing in Pennsylvania.

"In recent years, our three agencies have partnered to support this annual award because of the central role housing plays in our economy and the health and well-being of our families," said Michael Nardone, acting secretary of the Department of Public Welfare.

"Christopher Gulotta is a highly deserving recipient based on the countless housing projects he's spearheaded in Cumberland County during the last 30 years. He provides a model for other housing professionals to emulate. The residents of Cumberland County have benefitted greatly from his efforts to improve affordable and supportive housing in their communities."

Gulotta was nominated by Carlisle Mayor Kirk Wilson for his leadership in transforming the once-grand Molly Pitcher Hotel in Carlisle into the Molly Pitcher Hotel Senior Apartments in 2007. Gulotta spearheaded development of the majority of the supportive housing developments undertaken by the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities during the last three decades.

"Chris is the epitome of a true community leader and professional: compassionate, honest, and forward-looking," Wilson wrote in his nomination of Gulotta.

Gulotta has helped secure more than $50 million in local, state, and federal funding to support economic development, including supportive housing, in Cumberland County. Additionally, his vision for supportive housing has transformed the work of the CCHRA during his tenure there.  

For more information about Gulotta and the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, visit www.cchra.com.

For more information about the Supportive Housing Award, e-mail [email protected].

Media contacts:

Michael Race, DPW; 717-425-7606

Jane Crawford, Dept. of Aging; 717-783-1549

Scott Elliott, PHFA; 717-780-3916

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare