Housing advocacy takes time and resources. Although we shouldn’t underestimate the power of volunteers to impact housing policy and action, other regions across New Hampshire have recognized value in providing an organizational framework to advocacy efforts, forming regional housing coalitions. These coalitions provide a mechanism for raising funds, hiring staff, and sustaining the long-term effort of expanding housing opportunity. Coalitions in the state include:

• The Workforce Housing Program @ Vital Communities. Located in the Upper Valley and working in both New Hampshire and Vermont, Vital Communities is a community development non-profit with a range of initiatives. The workforce housing program currently focuses on educating business and organizational leaders on the benefits of supporting the development of a balanced housing stock. It also shares models whereby employers can play an active role in housing development/rehabilitation. The program is currently supported through a combination of grants and contributions from area employers.
• The Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast. Overseen by a multi-sector board of municipal planners, bank representatives, developers, consultants, and others, the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast is a 501(c)3 non-profit that advocates for developing a range of housing options.
• The Mount Washington Valley Housing Coalition. Another small 501(c)3 non-profit, the MWV Housing Coalition has bee in operation since 2010. Overseen by a multi-sector board, the organization is driven by a mission to promote affordable, equitable housing and economic opportunity for all. The organization is supported through a combination of grants, company donations, and private contributions.

Could the Monadnock Region benefit from a similar coalition? If so, what form might it take? Where might it most effectively focus it’s time, energy and resources?

These are some of the questions the Monadnock Housing Roundtable has begun to discuss. If you’re interested in being part of the conversation, please e-mail Todd Horner at thorner@swrpc.org.