Every year, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Organization (NAHRO) holds a poster contest called “What Home Means To Me” for their yearly calendar. The “What Home Means To Me” calendar contest gathers submissions from all the regional and national chapters of NAHRO and is judged by representatives from the Housing Assistance Council, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the National American Indian Housing Council.

In order to make it to the NAHRO competition, you have to win the Regional Division called the Carolinas Council of Housing Redevelopment & Codes Official (CCHRCO). Jada is 9 years old who lives in Kinston submitted her artwork to the poster contest called “What Home Means To Me.” Jada’s older sister Jasmine also made submissions to the CCHRO.

Jada won a spot for January in the calendar (her artwork is shown below) based on her winning the national and regional competitions. Jada’s older sister Jasmine also made a submission and won second place in the regional division called CCHRCO competition. Each submitter is also asked why what their home means to them.

Jada says, “My house is safe and warm. In my, there is always peace and quiet. At home, I am comfortable and loved. My home provides me with a place to feel safe… there are so many people that have no place to lay their heads at night, but I am blessed that I do.”

Both Jada and Jasmine were presented their awards on Thursday from the Kinston Housing Authority and National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Organization (NAHRO). The presenters were Dawn Whitfield, Rhonda Abbott, and Vivian B. Perry.

If you would like to read more about the calendar or purchase a copy, you can find that information HERE.