The Lawyers Clearinghouse has recognized Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC) President and CEO Joseph Flatley with a leadership award for his years of service and commitment to affordable housing and community development. 

Esther Schlorholtz, senior vice President for CRA/Community Development at Boston Private Bank & Trust Co., recently presented the award to Flatley. 

"Joe is truly an outstanding person with a deep dedication to affordable housing and community development.  His work has had an enormous impact and has changed the face of many Massachusetts communities," she said.  Ms. Schlorholtz credited MHIC with "prudent and profitable financing" and with handling some of the most complex, most innovative community investment projects.

According to its most recent annual report, MHIC has provided a total of $1.32 billion to finance affordable housing and community development.  That financing represents the preservation or creation of more than 13,600 housing units and more than 2.1 million square feet of commercial space. 

The Lawyers Clearinghouse was founded in 1988 by the Boston Bar and Massachusetts Bar Associations to promote the development of affordable housing, reduce homelessness, and strengthen communities.  The nonprofit provides pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations and to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The Lawyers Clearinghouse also recognized Jericho Road Lawrence, and its executive director, Joan Kulash, for providing outstanding pro bono service to the Lawrence community.  Jericho Road’s mission is to address economic inequities by matching the needs of nonprofit organizations in Lawrence to the resources of surrounding communities. 

Over the past year, Lawyers Clearinghouse provided pro bono services totaling more than $4 million.  Those legal services helped to create affordable housing, prevent homelessness, sustain and improve the operations of nonprofit organizations and strengthen communities.