[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 24, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING PAM CARMICHAEL AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 24, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pam Carmichael, a 
tireless advocate for stable, affordable, and quality housing, as Iowan 
of the Week.
  Pam's passion for housing advocacy started while she was studying 
political science, sociology, and social work at the University of 
Iowa. In her time as a student, Pam counseled renters at a tenants' 
rights organization and worked on housing ordinances that later became 
law. In 1980, she started working as a housing counselor at HOME Inc., 
a nonprofit housing organization in Des Moines.
  Pam served as the executive director of HOME Inc. from 1984 until her 
upcoming retirement this year, and she has participated in various 
advocacy efforts through this role. She has worked on multiple 
legislative projects, from pushing for infrastructure improvements, to 
creating Iowa's Shelter Assistance Fund. Pam also helped create the 
Polk County Housing Trust Fund and the Des Moines and Iowa Coalitions 
for the Homeless. Those are just a couple of examples of all the work 
Pam has done.
  Her breadth of knowledge in housing issues spans from home buyer 
education to counseling, revitalization programs, landlord education 
and more. Pam's expertise has been incredibly valuable and helpful to 
thousands of people in Des Moines, and she said she feels very blessed 
to see the number of people she's helped.
  Pam mentioned she's most proud of having worked with so many 
incredible colleagues who also believe everyone has a right to safe, 
affordable housing. She also appreciates the caring people in Des 
Moines, and the way that the community comes together in a crisis.
  As for her post-retirement plans, Pam is taking at least one year to 
work on her own house for a change. After a year, she'll get back into 
helping people, whether that be in housing or mental health services.
  I'd like to take a moment to congratulate Pam on her retirement and 
thank her for all the work she has done to help our families in Des 
Moines. Pam said: ``Home is a place we all need, and without it, we 
won't flourish,'' and I completely agree with her. That's why I will 
continue to fight in Congress to support affordable housing 
initiatives, just as Pam has done her whole career. It is my pleasure 
to recognize Pam Carmichael as Iowan of the Week.

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