Orton Family Foundation Recognizes HomeWORD With Inaugural PLACEMATTERS Innovator In Place Award

Orton Family Foundation

MANCHESTER, VT – The Orton Family Foundation is pleased to announce homeWORD, a Montana-based housing and community development organization, as the recipient of its inaugural PLACEMATTERS Innovator in Place Award. The new award, which is accompanied by a cash prize of $10,000, recognizes an individual or organization whose hard work and innovative application of ideas, methods or tools have opened new pathways to vibrant and sustainable communities.

With offices in Missoula and Billings, Montana, homeWORD (www.homeword.org) uses innovative, sustainable and replicable methods to develop affordable housing and asset-building strategies for those most in need. From its roots working in women's opportunity and resource development, homeWORD has emerged as a leader in the affordable housing field, developing fresh approaches that mesh affordability with sustainable and holistic methods. homeWORD strives to build communities and empower families while recognizing the importance of aesthetics in affordable living spaces.

"Though a small organization in staff and budget, homeWORD has managed to do remarkable things, not only for Montana, but the field of sustainable development in general," says William Shutkin, President and CEO of the Orton Family Foundation. "homeWORD represents the kind of commitment to place and people that is the starting point for civic innovation, and for the livable, affordable and vibrant communities we all seek."

The PLACEMATTERS Innovator in Place Award will be presented at the upcoming PLACEMATTERS06 conference taking place in Denver, Colorado October 19-21. The recipient of the 2006 Award will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a hand-crafted sculpture created "in place" by artist Andrew Davis from stone native to the Rocky Mountain West. For more information on the conference and Innovator in Place Award, please visit www.placematters.org.