The Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) this week honored local property owners for providing safe and affordable housing for families who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness.

In particular, the organization recognized landlords Maria Barros, Clifton Management owner David Rufo and Robert Nakashian at its 12th annual Property Owner Appreciation Evening.

"Property owners and managers play an integral role in ensuring that the homes our families and individuals rent are safe and affordable," Chris Norris, executive director of MBHP, said in a statement. "We thank them for their efforts and especially recognize our three award winners for going above and beyond our expectations to help meet their tenants’ needs."

Barry Bluestone, founding director of Northeastern University’s Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, also spoke at Wednesday’s event. During his keynote address, he discussed the changing demographics of the greater Boston area and its effect on the housing market.

"We need more rental units," Bluestone said. "We need to free up rental homes for low- and moderate-income families." Referring to the traditional triple-deckers, he said, "Quite frankly, the kind of housing we have for working families is the only housing they are going to be able to afford."