The Upper Valley faces a long-standing housing crisis that’s grown substantially worse during the pandemic. On June 2, housing leaders representing employers, developers, and advocacy groups will gather to share their perspectives and discuss ongoing and proposed measures to address the issue.
We invite you to attend the Housing Breakfast, Thursday, June 2, 7:30 to 9 am, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Lebanon, hosted by Vital Communities and Twin Pines Housing. This event is free and open to the public, and can also be attended virtually through a livestream by CATV. Registration is required and available at https://vitalcommunities.org/events/housing-breakfast/. The deadline for opting to attend in person is May 20.
Last year, Keys to the Valley determined that approximately 10,000 new homes of all kinds will be needed by 2030 to meet increased demand for homes in the greater Upper Valley region. As we continue to feel the effects of supply chain issues, skilled labor shortages, and rising home prices as a result of the pandemic, the event allows us to hear how housing leaders are addressing these challenges.
“The housing crisis looks different to everyone. This event is bringing together employers, developers, legislators, and community members to share their perspectives on this crisis and what they have done to respond to it ,” said John Haffner, who, along with Ellen Hender, makes up the Vital Communities Housing and Transportation team.
The breakfast will:
- Bring together residents, employers, elected officials, and other leaders;
- Highlight housing challenges and what is being done to address them
- Identify actions to take moving forward to improve housing in the Upper Valley
The breakfast is part of a longer-term effort by Vital Communities and its partners to inspire affordable housing creation for a thriving and resilient Upper Valley. Learn more about Vital Communities’ housing work at https://vitalcommunities.org/housing/.
Topics and presenters at the breakfast are:
- Carolyn Isabelle, Director of Workforce Development & Planning and Dave Duncan, Vice President of Facilities Management at Dartmouth Health, will provide an employer perspective on housing in the Upper Valley region.
- Ken Braverman, President and Owner at The Braverman Company, will be speaking from the developer’s perspective on the housing crisis.
- Elissa Margolin, Director of Housing Action NH and Chad Simmons, Policy and Engagement Specialist at Vermont Housing Finance Agency, will give a legislative update for each state.
- Deb Flannery, Vice President of Lending at Evernorth, will provide updates on the Upper Valley Housing Fund.
The event is sponsored by Mascoma Bank and Vermont Housing Finance Agency.