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Collaboration fosters success for the 2022 inaugural Anthem Awards

March 31, 2022 | McCormack Baron Salazar

McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc. (MBS), Urban Strategies, Inc., and the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers celebrate the power of collaboration on receiving “Gold” from the Anthem Award for The Greater Dunbar Initiative for a virtual tour video in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category. The greater Dunbar area in Fort Myer Florida for years struggled with issues such as distressed housing, crime, and unemployment.

On February 28, 2022, the inaugural Anthem Awards honored the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies, and organizations worldwide which amplifies voices of the community to spark global change. The Southward Village neighborhood echo’s the voice of change and its impactful work inspired many to take action within their own communities. The video focuses on the journey of partnerships with Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM) of a $30 million Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

I’m proud of the collaborative partnership on the Southward Village development. When I toured the site, I saw many opportunities where our development could change the landscape of the community and impact the lives of the residents. The Anthem Awards highlights the revitalization effort, and we congratulate the HACFM, Urban Strategies, and other partners who assisted in this inclusive and equitable community transformation effort,” said Vincent Bennett.

The Greater Dunbar Initiative will consist of 199-unit Southward Village public housing community, which will include 375 new mixed-income apartments, with 159 units reserved for Southward Village residents. In addition, 40 homes will be available at a 90-unit development located on Cleveland Avenue that will increase accessibility and improve economic opportunities.