On Sunday, March 25, OSLC hosted a well-attended panel discussion on housing in the Upper Valley. The moderators, Rosemary and Dan Affeldt, did a superb job of tying together the various challenges–and the organizations seeking to respond to those challenges–facing individuals and families needing housing, whether it was finding a way to get essential repairs done so as to stay in one’s own home (COVER), or to find emergency housing for several nights (10 Bricks or The Upper Valley Haven), or to discover if there was any way to buy or rent an affordable home in the Upper Valley (Habitat for Humanity or Twin Pines Housing Trust). Rosemary Affeldt pointed out in her introduction that she knew the panel members as friends and neighbors. This sense of community was expressed often by panelists and the audience. Each of the panelists described the work his or her organization focuses on, as well as the challenge and promise of building not only decent and affordable housing, but of creating abundant community life in the Upper Valley.

Our guests included Rob Schultz from COVER, Sarah Sennott from The Upper Valley Haven, Ned McCarthy, along with Ruth Emery, from 10 Bricks, Don Derrick from Habitat for Humanity, and Bruce Pracht from the Twin Pines Housing Trust. Pastor Susan Thomas introduced the day’s theme of “All God’s Children Need Shelter.” The Social Ministry Committee sponsored the gathering and served a very appetizing buffet of soups and breads. The program was part of the ongoing Cana Hall Conversation series.

For more on this inspiring program please go to Matthew McCormick’s article in the Valley News (03.26.07).

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