Resident of the Year

Every year Retirement Housing Foundation honors a resident (sometimes two, we have a lot of great people living in our communities!) from one of our communities who, through their actions and deeds, have enhanced the lives of their fellow residents. These individuals’ actions are very rarely limited to their RHF community; more often than not, they are also active members of their church and various civic groups.

We invite you to meet these honorees and see why they are making a difference in the communities they live in.

2025 Residents of the Year

Robert Hamm & Kyle House
Pioneer Towers, Sacramento, California

Robert B.Hamm

Robert B. Hamm, a former U.S. Air Force member, moved to Sacramento nearly 40 years ago and since then, has lived an active lifestyle, running AIDS Benefit Plant Sales from 1981 to 2016 and excelling as a world-class Begonia grower. Robert has been a major benefactor to Sunburst Projects, a local children’s HIV/AIDS charity, and has supported the community through fundraising, toy drives, and education. He and his partner, Kyle, have been active in HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ advocacy and have mentored those facing social security challenges. Together, they are parents to six adopted children, and proud grandparents to 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Kyle M. House

Kyle M. House has an extensive educational background and a deep passion for community involvement. After serving in the U.S. Army during the 1980s, he relocated to the West Coast, where he dedicated himself to environmental and social issues, including HIV/AIDS education and disability rights. In 2019, he and Robert moved to Pioneer Towers, where they became active in the resident community. They helped revamp the Resident Association’s bylaws, founded the Pioneer Towers Garden Group, and initiated the Courtyard Garden to provide free, culturally relevant produce to residents. Kyle also contributes his knowledge through garden reports and community resources. In their retirement, they focus on family, their passion for plants, and supporting their growing family.

RHF is pleased to present Robert Hamm and Kyle House with the 2025 Residents of the Year Awards.

Congratulations to all of our past award recipients!

2024 – Sherry Smiley
2023 – Cheryl Barker
2020 – Marvin Hesse
2019 – Keum Bok Choi
2018 – Pamela Mendez
2017 – Shirley “Bunny” Weston
2016 – Barbara Sebree
2015 – Marjorie Grommé
2013 – Tina Pallitto
2012 – Elsie Dixon
2011 – Boneata Kautz
2010 – Bob & Esther Olson
2009 – Charlie Gregoire
2008 – Grace Jirovetz
2007 – Catherine Veney
2006 – Betty Flanders
2006 – Frances Pierce