The Hinesville Housing closed out its year with an awards and recognition ceremony for staff and volunteers at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center on Dec. 8.

During the dinner, elected officials, business owners, churches and nonprofit organizations joined the staff to celebrate the end of the year.

The most notable awards of the night were the Making the Difference awards. Pastor Terrell and Shantel Frazier of Rivers of Living Waters Outreach Ministries were recognized for monthly providing groceries to elderly, disabled and economically challenged working families who live in the Hinesville Housing Authority accommodations. They also facilitate property events and activities such as “Re-Up,” in which they reissue school supplies to students in January.

Also, Cathedral of Praise was recognized for sponsoring and organizing the Back to School Bash in 2015 and 2016 for the Hinesville Housing Authority properties and the community. The church was represented by Elder Sheletta Beverly and Tony Benton.

Partnerships like these were stressed by guest speakers Skip Teaster, an economic development consultant, and Hinesville mayor emeritus James Thomas Jr. They reminded the staff and volunteers that they can use the housing industry as a tool to increase the economic growth of Liberty County.

Members of the authority’s executive board agreed that they looked forward to exploring all housing opportunities within Liberty County that they could use to create affordable housing and sustainable communities, as well as develop places to work.