Page 2 - 2018 NHHFA Annual report

INTRODUCTION

ecognition of the need for safe, affordable housing and its importance to ECONOMIC
New Hampshire’s economy and quality of life has grown in the past few
years. The connection between the state’s healthy and growing economy and the IMPACT OF
need for a range of housing that can accommodate our workforce and all resi- NH HOUSING’S
dents resonates in both the private and public sectors. PROGRAMS
Discussions about the strong demand for housing – and ways to address our
housing challenges – were the focus of the annual BIA Workforce Housing Forum,
community workforce housing coalition charrettes in Conway, Lebanon, Roch-
ester, Claremont and Portsmouth, and four New Hampshire Housing events. Contributes over
An especially interesting dialogue was organized by the Saint Anselm College $700
Center for Ethics in Business and Governance in June. The event, a collaboration
with Housing Action NH, featured U.S. Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban million
Development Pam Patenaude, members of New Hampshire’s Congressional del-
egation, state legislative leaders, and more than 150 stakeholders from all sectors in economic
participating in roundtable discussions. activity to the
state annually
Participants expressed concern about providing adequate housing to retain
graduates and young workers, as well as having suitable housing for seniors and
individuals with special needs. Increases

As one participant summed it up, “Housing brings people. People bring the availability of
workforce. The workforce brings business. Business brings economic a
ordable
development and prosperity.” workforce
The event organizers are reviewing the recommendations that evolved from the housing
event, and are following through on implementation of those that are the most around the
promising and feasible. We look forward to helping them find and implement solutions. state
During the past year, New Hampshire’s housing market continued its pattern of
the past five years: there’s a relatively low inventory of homes for sale, particularly
in the entry-level range; higher prices for homes that are for sale; and a rental Creates and
market that has low vacancy rates and increasing rents.
supports jobs
NHHFA continues to respond to the market by providing services and programs in construction,
designed to address our citizens’ varied housing needs. For more than 40 years, real estate and
as a self-sustaining public corporation, NHHFA has promoted, financed and sup- lending
ported affordable housing. We have helped more than 45,000 families purchase
their own home; supported the creation of more than 14,500 quality rental units;
and provided direct housing assistance annually to thousands in need in our state.
Through these activities, New Hampshire Housing contributes over $700 million to
the state’s economy annually through jobs and investments. Supports job
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of New Hampshire Housing growth and
Finance Authority, I am pleased to present our Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2018. business growth
by expanding
FY 2018 NHHFA ANNUAL REPORT Dean J. Christon a ordable housing
availability of

Executive Director & CEO

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