Recipients:

2008
Howard Goldman
As director of multi-family housing, Howard Goldman has helped Aeon and countless other organizations throughout the region navigate the rocky shoreline of affordable housing financing as part of his service in HUD’s Minneapolis Multi-Family division.

2007
Justin Cummins
Justin Cummins is a passionate advocate for affordable housing. His firm belief that everyone deserves a decent and affordable home is evident in his work and volunteer efforts. As an award winning attorney, Justin has long fought for people facing discrimination in housing and employment. He was named "Attorney of the Year" by Minnesota Lawyer, in part for his efforts in a major housing discrimination lawsuit, and has also been identified by Minnesota Law & Politics as one of the top attorneys in the state. Justin joined the Aeon's board of directors in 1995 and culminated his 12 years of service as Board Chairperson in 2007.

Cathy ten Broeke
Cathy tenBroeke has been a leader in the fight against homelessness in this community for many years. She has directed St. Stephens shelter, advocated on behalf of the homeless at the state and national levels and been recognized for the innovation and effectiveness of her work. Cathy is overseeing implementation of the ten year plan to end homelessness and facilitates Project Homeless Connect, which is a one-stop service event for people experiencing homelessness. Cathy currently serves as the Coordinator to End Homelessness for the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County. 

2006
Archie Givens
Archie Givens has been tireless advocate for affordable housing. He upholds a long-time family commitment to service, including a powerful commitment to the African-American community.  Archie has also served as a board director for many important community organizations. Archie is CEO of Legacy Management & Development Corporation, a for-profit developer of real estate and affordable housing. For many years Archie has developed quality affordable housing in areas and situations where no other for-profit development organization would step in, working closely with neighborhoods and community.

City of Chaska, Minnesota
While some cities talk about the importance of inclusion, community, and intentional design, the City of Chaska is turning these words into action. Through Aeon, we have seen how the City of Chaska powerfully aligns its actions with their values and convictions. With the Clover Field development area, Chaska is creating a true community and genuinely serving its citizens. Accepting the award from the City of Chaska were Matt Podhradsky, Assistant City Administrator and Kevin Ringwald, Director of Planning & Development.

2005
Susan Watlov-Phillips
Susan Watlov-Phillips has worked with people either experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness for more than three decades. She is founder and executive director of Elim Transitional Housing, the first transitional housing program in Minnesota. She was a founding board member of both the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless and MICAH, a coalition of 200 faith communities advocating on affordable housing. She also started a nonprofit called Community Home Ownership to provide cooperative homeownership opportunities for people with very low incomes. She currently serves as board president of the National Coalition for the Homeless.

2004
National Item Processing
National Item Processing stepped forward to become the first member of Aeon's Cornerstone Society, which honors leading donors to the organization. Cornerstone Society members pledge at least $1000 a year for five years. National Item Processing joined at the highest giving level of $10,000 annually.

Charlie Warner
Charlie Warner has helped to shape nearly every aspect of affordable housing in Minnesota. From tenants' rights to housing cooperatives and federal subsidies, he created support for housing on all levels of government. He also helped to found nonprofit housing organizations including the Minneapolis Consortiuum of Community Developers, the Minnesota Housing Partnership, and Aeon.

2003
Gail Dorfman
Gail has been Hennepin County Commissioner for District 3 in Minneapolis since 1999. She also serves on a variety of boards that work to build healthy families and vibrant communities. In all of her work she has shown her commitment to increasing access to affordable housing.

2002
Millie Schaefer
Millie has lived in the Elliot Park neighborhood for more than 30 years and has dedicated herself to the improvement of her community. She was honored for her outstanding spirit and her dedication to making Elliot Park a better place to live and work.