November 10, 2022
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Orleans Housing: How extensive is the housing crisis in Orleans? What do we mean by ‘affordable housing’? Which housing needs should we address? Do we have viable solutions?
The Orleans Citizens Forum hosted a forum digging deeper into the ‘housing problem’. Everyone agrees we need ‘affordable housing’, but everyone is not talking about the same thing. There are multiple housing needs, each with its own challenges. If we are going to tackle the housing problem in Orleans we need to understand the problem thoroughly. Who are the housing-stressed people in Orleans and how do we prioritize their needs? Whom do we want to provide housing for: Low-income or missing middle-income families? Young professionals or hourly wage earners? Municipal employees or labor force for area businesses? Grown children of our neighbors or people commuting to work in Orleans? All of the above? Lastly, we need to look at the resources needed and obstacles faced to provide the different types of housing needed to allow people to live and work here.
Fran McClennen, of the Affordable Housing Committee, explained the types of housing needs facing Orleans, and helped us understand the terminology used to define these needs. View Fran’s presentation by clicking here.
Lisa Simundson, Executive Director, Orleans Chamber of Commerce, illustrated the effect lack of affordable housing has on local businesses. In turn, we saw how all of us are affected by the lack of services driven by the housing shortage.
Hadley Luddy, Chief Executive Officer, Orleans Homeless Prevention Council (HPC), put a face on the housing and financially stressed residents of the Lower and Outer Cape. View Hadley’s presentation by clicking here.
Marsha Allgeier, Affordable Housing Coordinator for the Town of Orleans, spoke to the challenges we face providing affordable and attainable housing, including available government subsidies, other possible incentives and strategies, and ongoing planning and efforts needed. View Marsha’s presentation by clicking here.
The Orleans Citizens Forum is an unbiased, public service organization dedicated to keeping the residents of Orleans knowledgeable about the issues confronting our town