We need your knowledge and input as an Subject Matter Expert for our Housing Working Groups. Working Groups are the hands and feet of the Poconos Housing Coalition - working to design viable solutions and breaking down silos between organizations to make those plans a reality.
Please check one or two (maximum two) Working Groups you would like to help:
Location Identification Working Group
This group works with professionals in the Real Estate field, municipal planners, and persons with knowledge of historically viable (and non-viable) places where old buildings could be re-purposed or new housing could be developed.
Municipality Issues Working Group
This group works cooperatively across the township and borough levels to improve housing zoning practices and infrastructure capacity expansion. Some of its work is similar to what the COG or Regional Planning Commissions do - but across all municipalities in a county, and focused solely on housing. It may also bring in industry specialists and speakers to participate in specialty workshops.
Housing Services Agencies Working Group
This group works with the existing Local Housing Options groups in each county, which include members of the housing assistance and human services organizations.
Business and Public Interaction Working Group
This group works with businesses, the public, and employers to gather and understand housing needs. It also keeps the public informed of progress, while providing ongoing education and resources (e.g. courses) to the public about housing solutions for buyers and renters.
Funding Working Group
This group works with foundations, lenders and grant-writers, as well as state and federal agencies that provide loans, grants, and other financial resources to facilitate creating and restoring housing in the Poconos.
Developers and Project Sponsors Working Group
This group includes for-profit and non-profit builders, land developers, and project sponsors - including local and regional organizations.
The objective is NOT to replace existing coalitions and organizations, but to recognize and leverage them to build working groups that focus on housing from every angle.