Latest News - November 2023

Annual Appeal for Support

Dear Friend:
 
Thank you for supporting our work. I am reaching out today to ask for your help again because the need for affordable housing in the Lakes Region is so great.
 
The Lakes Region Housing Needs Assessment, which was just finalized by the Lakes Region Planning Commission a few weeks ago, estimates that we need more than 3,000 additional units of affordable housing in the Lakes Region by 2040 to achieve a balanced housing market.
 
We all seem to know someone, personally, who struggles to find suitable housing they can afford. There have been so many news stories this year about the crisis of housing and homelessness. Despite this increased awareness, we encounter more challenges than ever in creating affordable housing opportunities in the Lakes Region.
 
Your contribution will help us overcome barriers and create housing for many people.

There is so much work to be done to ensure that everyone in the Lakes Region lives in a healthy home and is empowered to succeed. Your support makes it possible for us to continue pursuing this ambitious vision.

Thank you!
(To read our appeal in its entirety, click HERE.)

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Why Support LRCD

​With vacancy rates at an all time low, homelessness on the rise, and more businesses with staffing shortages due to lack of housing, the need for more affordable housing is huge.
 
Why should you care? How can you help?
 
Let our Executive Director, Carmen Lorentz explain in this brief video. We hope you’ll consider a donation to support our work.

MAKE A DONATION

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Housing Champion: MVSB

​“Caring has always been at the heart of everything we do at MVSB, and that is why we are proud to support the mission of Lakes Region Community Developers to ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable housing,” said Marcus Weeks, MVSB President. “By building and nurturing relationships with the people and organizations of our community, we can cultivate a community where we all thrive.”

Thank you MVSB! Pictured are LRCD Executive Director, Carmen Lorentz (L) with Lori Borrin, Vice President & Mortgage Loan Officer at MVSB

We need the financial support of our local business community in order to produce more units of affordable housing for essential workers. Most housing developments that we undertake cost us $150,000 to $300,000 before we can get a shovel in the ground.

Email [email protected] today if your business would like to be a Housing Champion.

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Update on Bay Street Apartments

Good news! On November 6, the Laconia Planning Board approved our 12-unit supportive housing project at 17 Bay Street, which is a partnership with Lakes Region Mental Health Center. The project will provide housing and supportive services for 12 individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. You can read the news coverage here:

Bay Street apartments gets thumbs-up from city | Local News | laconiadailysun.com

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New Board Member: Victoria Gilo

We are proud to introduce our newest board member, Vicki Gilo. Vicki and her partner Joe moved in to Ames Brook Apartments in Ashland after we completed renovations at that property in the fall of 2020. They are retired and moved to Ashland from Rhode Island to be closer to their adult children and their grandkids. They love it so much at Ames Brook that even though their kids recently moved back to Rhode Island, Vicki and Joe declared they are never going to leave their home at Ames Brook.

We affectionately refer to Vicki as the Grammie of Ames Brook. She goes above and beyond to organize activities that benefit the children who live there. She has been a driving force behind Christmas parties, Halloween events, and an epic surprise Easter celebration that included the Easter Bunny greeting all the kids at their bus stop. She also created a new summer tradition at Ames Brook - family movie nights out on the green!

Vicki played a leadership role in establishing a 10-bed community garden in 2022, and she helps to keep it running smoothly in cooperation with her neighbors. She also volunteered to be the leader of a Girl Scout Troop just for Ames Brook.

​We are so grateful to Vicki for all the ways she serves her community. She will be a tremendous asset to our Board.

Photo caption: Here is Vicki (left, front) in action at an outdoor art event she helped organize at Ames Brook.

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