FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2025
New Hampshire’s Council on Housing Stability Approves Comprehensive Policy Framework to Address New Hampshire’s Housing Crisis
Concord, NH—The Council on Housing Stability (the Council) unanimously voted earlier this month, supporting a new Policy Framework addressing New Hampshire’s housing crisis. This effort was developed by the Policy Framework Workgroup, a 12-member workgroup established in 2024 and facilitated by Housing Action NH to advance the Council’s strategic planning efforts and influence the upcoming legislative session.
The Policy Framework offers a multifaceted approach to improving housing stability and addressing key challenges, including housing supply shortages, state and local regulatory barriers, supportive housing, and strengthened homelessness prevention efforts.
“The tireless effort of this workgroup, and the Council’s recent unanimous vote, highlights the power of dedication and collaboration in addressing complex issues like housing instability,” said Carmen Lorentz, Executive Director at Lakes Region Community Developers and Workgroup member, “The proposed framework is designed to make a tangible impact in all communities across New Hampshire.”
Key Components of the Framework Include the Following:
- Building for New Hampshire
The framework incentivizes developers, landlords, homeowners, and communities to expand the affordable housing stock. This includes expanding the Affordable Housing Fund, streamlining permitting processes, and supporting adaptive reuse policies, such as converting commercial spaces into residential housing. - Reducing State and Local Barriers
Policies include improving zoning regulations, incentivizing municipalities to adopt housing-friendly policies through programs like the Housing Champion Designation Program, and supporting partnerships with faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on underutilized land. - Increasing Supportive Housing
This component highlights the importance of linking affordable housing with supportive services, such as workforce development and healthcare, to assist vulnerable populations. In this capacity, full implementation of the Supportive Housing Medicaid Benefit is a key priority. - Strengthening Homelessness Prevention
This policy goal calls for enhanced funding for shelters, eviction prevention, and rehousing programs, as well as targeted support for vulnerable groups, such as youth aging out of foster care and individuals exiting incarceration or hospitalization.
“Solving the housing affordability and availability crisis in New Hampshire demands a unified, all-hands-on-deck effort,” said Policy Framework Workgroup member and Former New Hampshire State Representative Steve Duprey. “By elevating each opportunity —from policy reforms and financial incentives to partnerships at the state, local, and community levels—we can address the challenges at the root of the state’s housing crisis and create meaningful solutions for the Granite State.”
Governor Christopher Sununu established the New Hampshire Council on Housing Stability with Executive Order 2020-22 on November 18, 2020. The Council brings together a broad base of diverse stakeholders from across the state. It is co-led by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Community Development Finance Authority.
For more information about the Council on Housing Stability or the Policy Framework, visit NH Council on Housing Stability.
Contact: Melissa Latham, CDFA, mlatham@nhcdfa.org / (603) 717-9107
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