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Case Study 7

Town Hall Meeting for Leaders Creates an Action Plan—The COSA Affordable Housing Retreat

By Carol Roberts

In February of 2019, representatives of many of St. Lucie County’s social agencies met to tackle the issue of affordable housing. The one-day retreat was a result of discourse shared by agency representatives about how unaffordable housing affects a diverse number of social services in the community—even those with indirect links to housing. For instance, members of a domestic violence organization explained that their clients were forced to return to abusers because of a lack of space in local shelters and rent-controlled properties. To the Extension faculty participant, this seemed like an opportunity for a CIVIC activity to enable organizers to focus on common needs and develop a plan. While not a traditional deliberative forum or public town hall meeting, it was a productive and helpful combination of the two activities.

Representatives from more than half of the Council of Social Agencies’ (COSA) 62-member organizations met for a day of dialogue and planning. Guest speakers from local and state housing agencies framed the issue, reporting on current housing efforts in Fort Pierce, the county seat and predominantly low-income area of the county, and on projections for population and aging that would impact the future. Armed with information, the participants used engaging activities to help identify the path forward. One activity involved a Tents vs. Palaces visioning session culminating with suggestions on how to move from poverty to riches.

After much discussion, three complementary action items emerged and as each was described and discussed, a contact person was identified. The contact persons’ responsibilities would involve recruiting a subcommittee to begin work and report back to the COSA. The first item involved financial education, a basic need for improving the housing situation in St. Lucie County. Members agreed to create a source list of educational tools and providers so all COSA members could offer training if they saw the need or value. The second action item was to identify an advocacy team and craft a consistent, shared message for community leaders. Lastly, the participants felt that they needed to know more about what programs and efforts existed for housing support so they could direct clientele to the appropriate providers. Participants felt that more coordination was needed between existing housing initiatives. For instance, zoning and regulation issues prevent property development, funding for housing is required, and educating local decision makers about the severity of the situation were vital for the area’s most under-resourced residents.

After the day-long retreat, COSA members reported feeling more connected and empowered to communicate about the issue. Subcommittee members showed more active involvement in subsequent COSA meetings, and one volunteered for a leadership role on the board. Participants also voiced frustration regarding the challenge of addressing affordable housing because of the many different aspects of the issue, seemingly insurmountable regulations, and funding disparities for solutions. The subcommittees each accomplished their tasks, but were ultimately stymied by COVID and the changing needs that these member social agencies were required to fill during that time.

Case Studies