A brainstorming session of like-minded individuals interested in creating housing solutions for Trousdale County residents in crisis or with low incomes was held on March 26 in the Hartsville-Trousdale County Community Center.
The Housing Task Force for Trousdale County meeting was facilitated by Kathy Atwood and Brenda Harper, representatives of the Trousdale County Health Council. The council has noted the increased housing concerns affecting individuals and families in the county, and asked the county mayor, Jack McCall, to convene the first Trousdale County Housing Task Force.
Maxwell Carter, Executive Director of the Hartsville Housing Authority, presented the local housing picture in the county.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 have a lot in stock of affordable housing,鈥 said Carter. 鈥淭he Hartsville Housing Authority has only 34 units in the county and the waiting list is beyond three years.鈥
Carter stressed the need for more affordable housing in the county and believes it can be possible, starting with partnerships between agencies, businesses, churches and the community working together as a coalition on the path forward.
Region 5 Housing Facilitator Greg Keeling presented an overview of Tennessee Housing Options for creating accessible, safe and affordable housing for at risk populations in rural communities in Tennessee.
鈥淭he process of affordable housing is a long game,鈥 said Keeling. 鈥淵ou must build the conversation, educate the community on the need, and win people over. It鈥檚 a grassroots movement. People are dying because they don鈥檛 have a place to sleep at night. How can they do better if they have no home, no bed?鈥
The Health Council is seeking local and regional agencies, groups, churches, businesses and individuals who have a commitment to the welfare of the residents of Trousdale County.
If you or your organization has a desire to be a part of the conversation to formulate a plan for the future of housing in the county for those at risk populations such as low income and elderly, you can email your name and interest in participating on the Housing Task Force to contact@trousdalecountytn.gov with the subject: Housing Task Force.
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