Sparkplug Award, 2008 Recipient: Rosanne Haggerty

Rosanne Haggerty, founder and executive director of Common Ground in New York, is the third recipient of the Frank Hatch Award for Enlightened Public Service.

In 1990 Ms. Haggerty established Common Ground, a nonprofit housing development organization that provides innovative housing opportunities and community support for the homeless, disabled, and other marginalized groups. Common Ground has since become the preeminent supportive housing provider in the country, as well as a leading consultant on the problem of homelessness internationally.

Ms. Haggerty plans to use the award to advance the work of Common Ground, as well as that of Safe Harbors of the Hudson, a partner organization that enriches lives through the combination of affordable housing and arts-related community-building activities.