Limited housing options threaten our own quality of life as well as the economic vitality of our region.
The lack workforce housing hampers employee recruitment and retention, adds to traffic congestion, and creates family stress.
• Thousands of people in our region can’t find an affordable place to live. Over the last decade, little else was built besides large homes on large lots. That might look like prosperity, but it is a dangerous indicator that our region is out of balance.
• The search for an affordable apartment or a modest single-family home often ends in disappointment… After all, who wants to choose between housing that’s rundown, and possibly unsafe, or housing that’s far from work and family?
• Many in our workforce have families. They deserve safe, healthy places to live. Children who grow up in stable housing are more successful in school, and are physically and socially healthier. Lack of appropriate housing is a major cause of stress in families.
• Those who cannot afford to live in the area often move away, leaving employers who are unable to hire and retain the workers they need to sustain and grow their businesses.
The region’s limited supply of workforce housing affects someone you know…
Who needs workforce housing? Those who take care of our children, our seniors and our communities. For example, teachers, health care workers, artists, municipal employees and the other workers who provide essential services - retail, service, manufacturing, and hospitality workers.
Our communities can’t operate without the people who do these jobs.
The Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast (WHC) is an education and outreach initiative which
• Hosts public forums and trainings to highlight solutions to the region’s housing challenges;
• Provides municipalities with research and technical assistance to help improve local housing policies;
• Provides developers with information and data to advance workforce housing projects.
The WHC is not a developer; rather, our mission is to be a catalyst for the development of a range of housing options for our region’s diverse workforce.
Our Results:
In the past 12 months, we held 8 educational forums which included:
• The Housing Happy Hour Series which featured four offerings rotated throughout the region and included expert presenters, tours and lively discussions;
• A seminar for legal and planning professionals on “Preserving Long-Term Affordability” through the use of restrictive covenants;
• The WHC’s 10th Anniversary Celebration which highlighted a decade of accomplishments and outlined demographic and economic trends that will continue to drive demand for workforce housing;
• Our 2nd Annual Workforce Housing Design Charrette which offered 60+ housing and planning professionals a day-long volunteer opportunity to conceive of affordable, workforce housing concepts for real parcels in the region.
Since our inception in 2001, the WHC has
• Supported developers who’ve created close to 200 new units of workforce housing.
• Contributed to the adoption of workforce housing ordinances in 20 communities.
• Rallied support for critical legislation – including a landmark NH law that informs towns of their obligation to provide opportunities for workforce housing.
