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! 

Currently, this has led to 3 housing related focus areas for MIP.

  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 grant or loan these monies to support the production and preservation of affordable housing, and increase opportunities for people to access safe, decent, affordable homes. MIP is working 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. The next phase will be working with the City and local stakeholders to carry out the plans laid out in the report. 
  3. Zoning Changes: Zoning regulations are an important part of the housing environment. MIP leaders are active in the ongoing efforts in Keene to change zoning ordinances to allow for expanding housing options. The City is looking at changes in each district of Keene. MIP leaders have spoken out at hearings and engaged community members to provide written feedback to the City on multiple zoning issues, contributing to needed change. Most recently (February 2025) the city adopted two ordinances that will encourage housing development and make Keene a more attractive place for developers and homeowners to add dwellings. In May 2024, Keene councilors voted to allow cottage courts in certain zones of the city, another tool in the toolbox for responding to the housing crisis. On November 17, 2021 the Keene City Council passed proposed rural zoning changes by a vote of 12-2, expanding opportunities for housing development in the rural district while maintaining and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. In addition, these zoning changes will promote community goals related to workforce housing, open space preservation and renewable energy. MIP will continue to be active in zoning conversations in Keene and in other towns. These are important local decisions that underlay the ability to expand housing options.

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

Who needs Affordable Housing? Everyone!

For a  healthy, thriving local community, having housing available across income levels is vital. Increased housing options provide the stable infrastructure that contributes to a robust local economy:

  • Attract and retain professional employees and business leaders
  • Ensure older adults can live in their communities as they age
  • Sustain rural schools
  • Control and reduce local tax rates
  • Preserve local services such as early childhood teachers, hospital and nursing home caregivers, restaurant and retail staff

Monadnock Housing Development Fund Launched!

After hearing stories of local people’s struggles, MIP’s Housing Team has been working diligently for two years to get a fund established that incentivizes the building of housing to increase the Monadnock region’s affordable housing stock.

We are thrilled to announce that in the collaboration of the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation the fund is now a reality! Proposals are welcome for multifamily constructions, accessory dwelling units, small development, subdivisions, resident-owned communities, basic infrastructure in support of housing, and other similar projects.

For details about the fund and to download the request for project proposals click here: Monadnock Housing Development Fund RFP.

Much gratitude to everyone who has been active in MIP’s Housing Team. Your persistence has led to a new, innovative opportunity for all of us in the Monadnock region.