INCREASING HOUSING IN THE MONADNOCK REGION

For a healthy, thriving local community, having housing available across income levels is vital.  Having housing options affordable to our childcare workers, medical workers, professionals, people with limited income, young adults, families and seniors, truly benefits us all. Enough housing is an important foundation to a healthy economy; and morally and spiritually, we feel called to work towards everyone having a place to live! 

Over 2021 to 2024, MIP has worked on housing in several areas.

1. Housing Development Fund: MIP successfully concluded a campaign to create a regional Housing Development Fund to expand housing options. These Funds receive public or private sector monies in the form of direct investments or low interest loans. The Fund will provide low interest loans to support the production of affordable housing, and increase opportunities for people to access safe, decent, affordable homes. MIP continues to work with leaders in the public and private sector on this effort.
   
2. Expanding options to people experiencing homelessness: MIP Faith leaders were part of a larger call to the City of Keene in Spring 2022, to grapple with challenges people face that are camping in the woods, experiencing homelessness. MIP spoke out at hearings and once the city formed an Ad Hoc Committee, got a representative on this committee. A delegation from MIP attended each Committee meeting, and regularly spoke up in the public comment period and wrote Letters to the Editor about the Committee’s work. We are pleased that the Committee recommendations are strong and compassionate, including calling for a legal parking area, a systemic approach to supporting people released from the hospital or jail without a home, and more discretion for city staff to support people camping outside. 
3. Updated Zoning: Zoning regulations are an important part of the housing environment. MIP leaders are active in the efforts to update zoning ordinances and allow for expanded, sustainable, housing options. MIP leaders have spoken out at hearings and engaged community members to providing feedback on multiple zoning issues, contributing to needed change. These are important local decisions that underlay the ability to expand housing options.
4. Community Conversations: MIP created an educational slide deck that combined personal stories and data. It has been presented in various settings in the region. It plays an important role in helping people understand the stories, trends, an opportunities for positive change.
5. Regional collaboration: MIP has played an important leadership role in the Monadnock Resource Alliance focused on positive change for housing in our region. In particular, MIP leaders are active on the soft infrastructure committee resulting in local town planning boards supporting one another, sharing experiences and resources with one another. MIP leaders have been active in discussions and fundraising to hire a Housing Coordinator for the region.

Use the Projects drop-down menu to read more about housing needs and concerns.