(February 22, 2008) — The development of East Liberty-based Sojourner House MOMS led to East Liberty Development receiving an honorable mention at the Jan. 25 Seventeenth Maxwell Awards of Excellence luncheon

East Liberty Development was one of 10 finalists that Fannie Mae Foundation, in collaboration with the Partnership to Eng Long Term Homelessness, chose for the prestigious honor. The Maxwell Awards of Excellence program showcases the outstanding work of nonprofit organizations in developing and maintaining affordable housing. Each finalist received $10,000 to continue its work in the field of supportive and affordable housing for homeless individuals and their families. The Fannie Mae Foundation chose four winners from the 10 finalists at the January event.

MOMS uses a systems changed approach developed for homeless single mothers with mental health and substance use histories. The program is the result of a partnership between Sojourner House, Inc., and two neighborhood-based organizations, Negley Place neighborhood Alliance and East Liberty Development, Inc. The MOMS program was developed specifically to address a gap identified by the Allegheny County Continuum of Care – that of permanent house for larger families with children.

“We are pleased and honored to have the Sojourner House MOMS project acknowledges as one of the best community-supported housing programs for homeless families in the counties,” said Maelene Myers, executive director of East Liberty Development and vice president of Sojourner House MOMS. “Sojourner MOMS offers a home and neighborhood connections to mother recovering from addiction, as well as their children. These facilities are so important in combating homelessness in Pittsburgh’s East End, and we plant to expand this project.”

Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Sojourner House's provides faith-based residential treatment and other services to addicted women and their children to break the intergenerational cycle. A nondenominational faith-based agency, Sojourner House partners with other agencies and community groups to enhance community involvement and program quality. For more information, call 412-441-7783.