KENT WORKFORCE HOUSING SURVEYS

Kent Affordable Housing is trying to better understand the housing situations and needs of those who work in Kent. There is state funding available to create dedicated affordable housing that would be restricted to people who work in Kent. These surveys will help determine whether it is worthwhile to pursue that funding.

In addition, while people who work in Kent, but don’t live in Kent, are key members of the Kent community, they 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.

Additional Background:

We know that there are people commuting 45 minutes or more from places like Torrington, Thomaston, and Naugatuck to jobs in Kent. 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.

On the employer side, we’ve heard of difficulties filling positions, and good candidates who have to turn down offers because they can’t find suitable housing in the area. And we’ve all seen the signs in local business about reduced hours or temporary closures due to staffing issues.

Every year, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) has $1 million available through its Housing Tax Credit Contribution (HTCC) program reserved for “workforce housing” - affordable housing that is restricted to people that work in the town in which the funding is awarded. Believe it or not, CHFA typically has more funding than applications for the funding.

If you are a Kent employer or employee, please take the appropriate survey. Thank you!