Housing Authority Board Commissioner Mattie Young receives award at MLK Unity Breakfast

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Jan. 18, 2024 - PRLog -- The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers' Board Commissioner Mattie Young received the "Keeper of the Dream" Award, presented by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at the MLK Unity Breakfast Jan. 15.

The MLK Unity Breakfast featured inspiring speeches honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the recognition of impactful community members. The "Keeper of the Dream Award" honors individuals and organizations who exemplify the spirit of Dr. King. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has presented the award to deserving community leaders annually since 2017.

Young was honored for her outstanding contributions to the community, including serving as vice chairwoman of The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers' board of commissioners. Her efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of many, embodying the spirit of Dr. King's powerful legacy.

Young is a Fort Myers native and the daughter of longtime Fort Myers community activist, the late Veronica Shoemaker. Young held several positions at The School District of Lee County, serving students in the same school system where she received her education. Currently, she operates the Veronica S. Shoemaker Florist Shop in the heart of the Dunbar community.

As a member of Theta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she has served as the president of the Floral Hamilton Roberts nonprofit organization. She has also been a board member of the Dunbar Housing Association, Dunbar Improvement Association, Source of Light and Hope, Florida State School Social Worker's Association, Florida State Florists' Association and the Lee County Homeless Coalition.

"Commissioner Young is so deserving of this recognition, and we are grateful for her unwavering support for various organizations in our local community, including her role at the Housing Authority," said Marcia Davis, executive director of The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers. "We are honored to stand alongside her in our shared mission of providing affordable, equitable housing and transforming lives."

About the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers

The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers serves as a catalyst for increasing access to safe, stable and sustainable housing and to help develop, preserve and revitalize communities through affordable rental housing. For more information, visit www.HACFM.org or call 239-344-3220.