Workshops Focus on Affordable Housing Solutions

Media Release
For Immediate Release                                                                            

Date: January 23, 2012

Contact:          
Carrie Bourdages
Communications Specialist
Voice: 231-929-5038
Email: info@thegrandvision.org                     

Workshops Focus on Affordable Housing Solutions
Rental Partnerships - Thursday, February 9  8:30-10:30 a.m.
Development Partnerships - Thursday, February 23  8:30-10:30 a.m.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI—The Grand Vision Housing Solutions Network presented the first of three Housing Partnership workshops January 19.

Housing Partnerships 101 focused on how landlords, developers, realtors, and others interested in affordable housing programs can enhance development projects, guarantee rental income, and provide access to a variety of funding sources.

“Bringing together all of the stakeholders to explore and discuss affordable housing issues in our area, and their solutions, is the goal of the workshops and the Housing Solution Network’s aim,” said Sarah Lucas, Regional Planner at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) and network convener.

The Housing Partnerships workshop is being followed by two in-depth workshops in February. Rental Partnerships 101 will be on Thursday, February 9, and will provide details on rental assistance programs and procedures.

Development Partnerships 101 will be on Thursday, February 23, and will discuss affordable housing funding programs and development incentives for residential development and redevelopment projects.

The workshops highlight grants, loans, and other programs that property owners can access when including affordable housing in their projects, rental properties, or renovations.

Speakers from state and local agencies are providing overviews of housing programs available to property owners, as well as the basics of partnering with organizations to access programs. There is no charge for the workshops, but registration is required. The workshops are at the Traverse Area Association of Realtors’ office at 852 Garfield Avenue.

To register, please contact Goodwill at 231-995-7714 or email nathant@goodwillnmi.org. Space is limited.

The workshops are co-sponsored by The Grand Vision Housing Solutions Network, the Grand Traverse Area Continuum of Care, and the Traverse Area Association of Realtors.

For more information, please contact Sarah Lucas at (231) 929-5034.

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