KAH survey assesses need for workforce housing

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KENT—Kent Affordable Housing is taking a closer look at the housing needs of those who work in town through online surveys for both employers and employees. 

KAH President Justin Potter noted that “people who work in Kent, but don’t live in Kent, are key members of the Kent community, [but] are typically left out of data-gathering efforts such as the U.S. Census, American Community Survey and local surveys such as those that were conducted for the Kent Housing Plan and the Plan of Conservation and Development.”

He reports that some local workers commute 45 minutes or more to reach their jobs in Kent while, at the same time, employers have trouble filling positions because good candidates can’t find suitable housing in the area. 

“We also know that there are people who work in Kent who are in less-than-optimal living situations in town, who would love to have a place of their own,” he said.

He suggested that many local employees may be eligible to apply for existing affordable housing at South Common and Stuart Farm.

Current eligible income ranges are $20,075 to $64,240 per year for a single person, or $28,675 to $91,760 per year for a family of four.

State funding is available to create affordable workforce housing that would be restricted to people working in Kent.

Each year, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) makes $1 million available through its Housing Tax Credit Contribution (HTCC) program reserved for such housing. 

“Believe it or not, CHFA typically has more funding than applications for the funding,” Potter said.

The survey will help determine whether it is worthwhile to pursue the funding.

Click here to take the house survey for employees and here for the employer’s survey.