Housing authority seeks volunteers, resources
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Editor,
No matter what the political climate, the fact remains that many families across the community struggle with basic survival costs, including housing. This is a problem that impacts the health of the entire community. When a child or an adult is not able to get proper rest, or is living in an unstable situation, their ability to function can be negatively affected. This means children are not able to succeed at school and parents underperform at work. Across the Mission Valley, from Arlee to Elmo, families are living in doubled or tripled situations, in which 6 or 8 people reside within a one or two-bedroom residence. Housing costs continue to be a challenge for these families who often have minimum wage jobs.
For 20 years, the non-profit Lake County Community Housing Organization has served low and moderate income households, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities residing in the region. The LCCHO manages residences across the Flathead Reservation, with 24 units in Polson, 36 in Pablo, 48 in Ronan, 4 in Charlo and 8 in St. Ignatius. All residents in these 120 units pay rent. It also administers 36 Section 8 vouchers. Currently, the Lake County Community Housing Organization is looking at the construction of several new low-income residential units. To carry out this process, the LCCHO relies upon its staff and board of directors. Recent trends have reduced the levels of federal and private foundation support for the development of low-income housing. The agency has a bare bones staff that must cover all reporting requirements, maintain the facilities and provide direct, daily services to clients.
The Lake County Community Housing Authority is all about solutions and we need your help. To develop new housing projects, the LCCHO Board of Directors is seeking additional members who can provide time, talent and resources. Are you interested in helping with this vital community issue? Please consider joining the board and helping us expand options for housing within our community. We believe in the future of our community and in the potential for positive change. Help us in this quest. For more information, please call 676-5900.
Dana Grant
LCCHO-RHA Board of Directors President
Ronan
