WASHINGTON - May 17 - The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) was honored by the Mississippi Center for Justice at the 2010 Mississippi on the Potomac Reception on Tuesday, May 11. Reilly Morse, Senior Attorney at the Mississippi Center for Justice, presented NLIHC with the award.

NLIHC was honored for its work to address the injustices suffered by Mississippi's victims of Hurricane Katrina, while helping to correct disparities in Mississippi's use of disaster recovery funds.

"In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, homeless Mississippians had something to be grateful for: an influential and powerful ally in the National Low Income Housing Coalition," the event program read. "For the past four years, NLIHC has lent crucial support, advice and access to efforts of the Center for Justice to secure fairness and equity in disaster housing recovery. Led by Sheila Crowley, NLIHC has closely worked with the Center on virtually every federal aspect of disaster housing."

"The availability of affordable housing continues to plague far too many communities across the country, and Mississippi is no exception," said Mississippi Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D). "The National Low Income Housing Coalition has worked tirelessly to help those impacted by natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and generally promote the implementation of sound housing policy. I look forward to the Coalition's continued work in my home state and others."

"NLIHC's work with the Mississippi Center for Justice has provided critical assistance to those families that need it the most," said Mississippi Representative Travis Childers (D). "In today's tough economic times, natural disasters and unfair policies have an even worse impact on hard-working Mississippians struggling to make ends meet. NLIHC is helping to uplift these individuals and families and ensure they have a place to call home."

"Washington must support the ongoing efforts to help the Gulf Coast make a full recovery, and NLIHC is committed to ensuring Congress and the Administration do not lose sight of the unmet housing need," NLIHC President Sheila Crowley said.

More information on NLIHC's work on Hurricane Recovery is available at: http://nlihc.org/template/page.cfm?id=72