Volusia County Affordable Housing Summit Happens On Tuesday

Daytona Beach, FL – Volusia County’s Affordable Housing Summit is happening a few months later than originally planned but it will take place on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the Ocean Center, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., in Daytona Beach. Carmen Hall, Community Assistance Director for the county said that seating at the Ocean Center is at capacity, with about 250 places filled by community leaders, non-profit agencies, and citizens.  You can still take part virtually by registering at volusia.org.  The summit will begin with an informational session, Hall said, with several speakers. “We’re going to have a welcome session where we’ll reflect on the connections betweeen affordable housing, prosperity, and health. The panel will consist of Ed Noseworthy, Barb Girtman, Forough Housseini, and Mark Watts.” There will be breakout sessions that everyone will take part in, includes one that focuses on community lands trusts. In the afternoon, Hall said participants will choose from  two different sessions. “One is Bridging the Gap to Affordability, and talking about different funding sources that could be available for affordable housing. The second session will be Breaking Down Barriers and Rethinking Zoning. We’ll go on the technical side of policies that can be implemented to encourage more affordable housing.” Hall said, “Without affordable housing, our families cannot continue to prosper and be active, thriving members in our community, You have to have stable housing so our children can excel in school and so our grandparents can have a safe, affordable housing unit, that they can have a good quality of life in their golden years. Most importantly, so our workforce can have stable housing so they can maintain employment and provide much needed services.” Tomorrow, Hall will explain what will be done after the summit and how you can help.