In a recent episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomed Andy Gail, CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley, and Amanda Whitson, co-chair of the Housing Coalition of Northern Shenandoah Valley, to discuss the upcoming Housing Summit. The summit, scheduled for May 23rd at Laurel Ridge Community College, seeks to address various housing challenges faced by the region.

The conversation began with informal exchanges about local events and food trucks, underscoring the community-oriented vibe of the show. The light-hearted banter set the stage for the in-depth discussion on housing issues.

Amanda elaborated on the origins and mission of the Housing Coalition, a group formed seven years ago to unite local nonprofits, realtors, and organizations like Virginia Housing in tackling housing-related issues. The coalition's work includes hosting the annual Housing Summit, which aims to bring awareness and solutions to the area's housing challenges.

The upcoming summit will focus on 'escaping the housing trap' and features notable speakers such as Ryan Price, Chief Economist for Virginia Realtors, and Robert McNabb, Economics Professor at ODU. Edward Erfurt from Strong Towns will also contribute insights on zoning and community planning.

Janet and Amanda discussed the interconnectivity of housing with other community issues, emphasizing the summit's agenda of translating discussion into actionable solutions through breakout sessions and panels. Partnership details with local organizations and businesses were highlighted, demonstrating community-wide support for the initiative.

To register for the summit or to learn more about the Housing Coalition and its activities, Amanda advised visiting their Facebook page. The event is free, but registration is required for logistical planning - click here to register.