Building Solutions Together at the Pocono Housing Summit
On November 20, 2024, Pocono Mountains United Way and Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau hosted the “More Front Doors: The Pocono Housing Summit” at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. This pivotal event aimed at addressing the region’s critical housing challenges by fostering collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
The summit featured a keynote presentation by Ira Goldstein of Reinvestment Fund, who emphasized the interconnectedness of housing with education, health, economy, workforce, and criminal justice systems. Additionally, Secretary Rick Siger of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development provided an update on Governor Josh Shapiro’s statewide Housing Action Plan, highlighting the importance of local input in shaping statewide strategies.
Attendees participated in panel discussions and interactive workshops that delved into topics such as sustainable housing development, policy reform, affordability strategies, and the impact of housing on community well-being. These sessions provided opportunities for collaboration on real-world solutions and the development of actionable plans to address local housing issues.
By engaging with diverse voices and expertise at the summit, attendees contributed to creating a roadmap for sustainable, affordable, and community-driven housing solutions that will benefit all residents. The event was planned and organized by Tom Campbell, Director of Housing Initiatives with Pocono Mountains United Way.