United Church Homes (UCH) honored faithful supporters of the housing division at the first annual donor recognition dinner on July 15, at Columbus Hilton at Easton. Three awards were presented; the Ben M. Herbster Award presented to a devoted donor, the Spirit Award to an enthusiastic volunteer, and the Diakonie Award to a supportive church congregation.

The honoree for the Ben M. Herbster Award for Housing was Rev. Glenn Royer. When Rev. Royer was pastor of David’s United Church of Christ in Canal Winchester, he asked the Rev. Philip Loucks, then the CEO of United Church Homes, to consider building a facility in the area southeast of Columbus. Rev. Loucks responded by initiating a relationship with the Federal Housing Administration and its subsidized housing program for citizens with limited resources. The result of their effort was Canal Village, a beautiful federally subsidized housing community in Canal Winchester.

Honoree for the Spirit Award was Rev. Dr. Paul Kiewit, a member of the United Church Homes board and its chair for three years. He also served on the United Church Homes Housing board for 25 years and supported its mission for decades.

For the Diakonie Award, David’s United Church of Christ of Canal Winchester was recognized. The church partnered with United Church Homes to build UCH’s first HUD 202 community, Canal Village. David’s Way was added 20 years later to meet the area’s need, joining the affordable housing communities already in our care.

Almost 100 years ago, individuals whose spirit of generosity led them to provide the necessary financial resources created United Church Homes. This tradition of generosity continues to be crucial to the ministry today.

“The honorees were chosen based on their commitment to the mission of United Church Homes, and furthering this mission with their support. We are grateful to all of the volunteers, employees, individuals, and congregations that continue to rally with us in their generosity each year. This is just one way we choose to say thanks for all they do for United Church Homes and their residents,” says President and CEO, Rev. Ken Daniel.