A coalition of housing and homeless non-profit organizations have awarded Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles with the 2011 "Housing Hero" award for her leadership and advocacy in promoting policies that work toward fair housing practices and ending homelessness.

The award was presented by representatives from the Washington State Coalition for the Homeless and the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, along with the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness.

"Sen. Kohl-Welles has a very strong record of advocacy and support for affordable housing and tenants rights," said Michele Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance in the press release. "Especially notable is her tireless effort to pass the Fair Tenant Screening Act, which once passed into law, will greatly improve tenants' rights in the state."

In addition to sponsoring the Fair Tenant Screening Act, which would prevent landlords from considering past eviction records in tenant screening processes, Kohl-Welles led efforts this year in passing Senate Bill 5482, which will provide housing assistance for victims of human trafficking and their families. She also sponsored legislation this year that would temporarily increase funds available for homeless housing and assistance programs.

"Access to adequate and affordable housing is a fundamental human right and the basis for an individual’s or family's livelihood," Kohl-Welles said. "I greatly appreciate this recognition from the fair housing and homeless communities, and I am committed to continuing to work toward the goal of ensuring that every Washingtonian has access to a safe and affordable home."