United Way :: Local Housing Initiatives

Housing a Region in Transition

In April, 2002 the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (COG), in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the Southeastern Connecticut Workforce Board and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, released a study entitled Housing a Region in Transition: An Analysis of Housing Needs in Southeastern Connecticut, 2000-2005.

The study, written and analyzed by Richard B. Erickson, AICP, takes an in-depth look at a variety of data about the region's economy, workforce, population, and housing stock. Assessment of current regional housing needs and short-range future needs are provided, as well as a suggested plan of action.

In October, 2002 COG and United Way hosted a public forum to further discuss the housing study and generate commitment to meeting local housing needs. Please click here to read more about the public forum and the panel discussion that followed titled The Need to Take Action.

In addition, a Blue Ribbon panel of local public and private community leaders (below) was formed at the forum. The panel will meet to address housing needs and develop solutions to create enough affordable, quality housing for our community. Other issues the Blue Ribbon panel, now called the Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance, will address include: zoning issues; creating innovative funding options with financial institutions; establishing a method of disseminating housing information to the community; lobbying for legislative changes as needs are identified; and coordinating housing education efforts.