2008-07-24 Multi-Awardee HIP Housing Appoints Westlake to Manage Its 21 Properties

SAN MATEO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 24, 2007 -- Westlake Realty Group, Inc., an AMO®-certified property management company, has contracted with award-winning HIP Housing (Human Investment Project) to provide property management services to 140 of the organization's affordable housing units in San Mateo County.

Our cost-effective, technologically advanced systems and HIP Housing's dedication to serving the community are an ideal combination, said Steven M. McDonald, vice president and general manager at Westlake Realty Group. "HIP Housing liked our use of GPS smart phones to track maintenance personnel, because it ensures that residents' upkeep needs receive a prompt response. In addition, our advanced finance and reporting system guarantees that HIP Housing and its investors get vital information on time. Westlake is committed to delivering the residents and stakeholders of HIP Housing properties the highest level of service."

We are really pleased to work with Westlake, said Bruce Hamilton, HIP Housing Executive Director. "Our organization is skilled in recognizing and meeting community housing needs and in matching people to housing that's right for them. We recognize the wisdom of teaming with an organization that has a strong core competency in low income residential property management. Westlake handily meets our needs in this vital area, and we look forward to a long and productive relationship."

Westlake Realty Group will deliver complete state-of-the-art services to 300+ low income individuals and families living in HIP Housing properties in San Mateo County. The company will apply its proven residential rental property expertise to HIP Housing's portfolio, leveraging the skills of staff with more than 25 years of experience in affordable housing.

About HIP Housing: Now in its 35th year, HIP Housing (Human Investment Project, Inc.) is a major affordable housing provider in San Mateo County. With a 2007 award from the mayor of San Mateo and past awards from the California Housing Consortium and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HIP Housing has a long history of accomplishing its mission "to invest in human potential by improving the housing and lives of people in our community..." Innovative programs such as the Self-Sufficiency and Home Sharing Program, and Home Equity Conversion Counseling have guided families and individuals to successful outcomes. Each year HIP Housing provides over a thousand persons with a place to call home. To learn more about HIP Housing, visit www.hiphousing.org.