Nine-year-old Lilly Ann Hoaglund of Moorhead created one of the 13 pictures on this year’s “What Home Means to Me” calendar, published annually by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
Nancy Edmonds Hanson
Nine-year-old Lilly Ann Hoaglund had plenty of inspiration when she created her entry in the “What Home Means To Me” calendar contest: Family, friends, pets, books, and a place to play and draw. Comfort, safety, fun, life and love, and happiness.
Her artwork, entered by the Moorhead Public Housing Agency, is one of 13 national winners in the annual calendar contest sponsored by NAHRO, the National Association of Housing and Rehabilitation Officials. Lilly Ann’s work will be featured in October.
Since its inception in 2008, the calendars have spotlighted the poignant work of children who live in public housing across the country.
“This is the first year we have an entry in the contest, and we’re thrilled for Lilly Ann,” says Moorhead Public Housing Agency director Dawn Bacon. Half a dozen children worked with service coordinator Tanya Kunza in May to create their entries. The contest is open to children ages 5 through 18. The local girl’s path to the 2021 publication involved winning a series of competitions at the state, regional and national levels.
The director notes that Lilly Ann’s artwork has reinforced her staff’s understanding of how much their work means to the 76 children who live in MPHA housing, along with 204 adults. “Children do have a unique wisdom. Sometimes they are able to communicate feelings in a meaningful way that adults aren’t always able to do.”
That’s especially important, she adds, in 2020. “It’s been quite the challenge,” she admits. While demand for public housing units and rent assistance is always high, she expects even steeper pressure as the pandemic moves forward. She adds, “Fortunately, we are part of a strong network of organizations working on local housing issues. We’re doing all we can to support people through the economic and health issues that are rising in this crisis. I am hopeful that the pandemic will help us as a society gain a renewed perspective. It’s a game changer. Maybe new ideas and responses will emerge from it.”
Moorhead Public Housing is federally funded through a contract with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition to owning and operating 181 housing units – apartments, duplexes, townhomes and single-family dwellings – the agency offers rental assistance through the state and county, including the Bridges Program that assists people emerging from treatment for mental illness.
A link to order the “What Home Means to Me” calendar, priced at $9.99, will be posted on the agency’s website, cityofmoorhead.com/departments/public-housing-agency. The director says, “I can’t wait to get one and hang it on my wall.”
