POCONO SUMMIT, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's an innovative approach to addressing a longstanding problem. On Wednesday, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) and the Pocono Mountains United Way hosted More Front Doors: the Pocono Housing Summit.
More Front Doors aims to bring people together to discuss the ongoing housing crisis.
"They're making houses that are not affordable for the average worker, especially today with the economy being so crazy," said CEO of Marty Grace Designs LLC Marty Grace.
Grace works with people trying to find affordable housing. He's just one of dozens who attended More Front Doors: the Pocono Housing Summit.
"It's really to bring people together from all different parts of the government, the community, to learn about the different challenges we're having with housing," PMVB Executive Vice President Brian Bossuyt said.
They're challenges organizations like Monroe County's Habitat for Humanity handle on a daily basis.
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"There's not enough affordable housing the housing costs for renters are really high," said Monroe County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Scott Fabian.
In addition to addressing problems, the summit is also being used as a tool to find solutions.
One of those solutions was presented by the state.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to develop a statewide housing action plan to create more places for people to live, preserve existing ones, and combat costs.
"We've kicked off this process we're digging deep into the data and maybe most importantly we're doing a ton of listening across Pennsylvania," said Pennsylvania State Secretary of Community and Economic Development Rick Siger.
The action plan starts with a statewide tour, where the department will talk to community housing leaders across the Commonwealth.
The governor's housing action plan is estimated to be finalized by next summer, and it'll be carried out over the next five years.
