Our mission, is to be a catalyst for the development of a range of housing options for the diverse workforce in the Greater Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Maine. The Workforce Housing Coalition (WHC) believes the availability of diverse housing choices is critical to the region's economic vitality.

Description:
The Workforce Housing Coalition is an education and advocacy program. It is a coalition of businesses, towns and community organizations, which recognizes the link between housing availability and regional economic vitality. It was the first such program of its kind in the state and now one of six regional coalitions and a statewide council.
The Coalition works to increase awareness of the growing need for housing that is affordable to the people who supply the essential services to our communities. Through our partnership with area businesses, community organizations, and concerned citizens, we are working to stimulate the approval and construction of a significant number of units that might not otherwise be built.
The Coalition undertakes efforts to:
-influence housing development through changes to master and comprehensive plans,and zoning ordinances
-increase public education on workforce housing issues
-explore regional Smart Growth work to integrate with transportation and land use
-develop programs to preserve affordability once housing units are renovated or purchased

History:
Regulatory barriers are the greatest hurdle to addressing the housing crisis.
In March of 2001, The Housing Partnership and the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored Housing Summit. Over 100 business, municipal and community leaders attended, the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast was created as a committee of The Housing Partnership. It is now a separate nonprofit organization with a board of directors. The Housing Partnership is the fiscal sponsor.

Contact people:

Lisa Henderson, Program Director, (phone), (email) Monica Lane, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

1555 Islington Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 (See a map)

Directions:

From Interstate 95: Coming from 95 North or South take Exit #3. Make a right onto Rt. 33 towards Portsmouth. Continue on Rt.33 crossing over a small bridge. Once over the bridge you will see a cemetery on the right,. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: none, none minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above:
	Lisa Henderson
Type of organization
	Nonprofit 501(c)3
Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency?
	No