March 2026 | Message from our Executive Director
| Here’s what I want you to know this month: 400 people joined our virtual information session on the Governor’s Housing Action Plan. 400 people joined our information session on March 24 to hear updates and implementation information on the Governor’s Housing Action Plan. Thank you to Morgan Boyd, Special Assistant to the Secretary, Department of Community & Economic Development; Stephanie Meyer, Special Assistant to the Secretary, Department of Human Services; Bryce Maretzki, Director of Strategic Planning and Policy, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency; and Melissa Wright, Executive Policy Director, Department of Community & Economic Development, for their time presenting the elements of the plan and answering the many questions. Lots and lots of people are eager to be part of the plan to make housing affordability a greater priority in our Commonwealth. We kicked off our advocacy agenda with calls to action. Representative Smith-Wade-El joined us on February 12 to talk about legislation to seal evictions and legislation to help people living unsheltered. Here’s the link to sign on to support eviction sealing and sign on here to support the humane encampment resolution strategy. Senator Coleman joined us on February 19 to share his plan to introduce legislation to make multi-family housing in commercial areas a right to create greater housing opportunities closer to jobs. Here is the link to the co-sponsorship memo. Senators Argall and Saval joined us on February 25 to share progress towards creating and funding statewide home repair programs. Our upcoming advocacy days includes meeting with target legislators in district to build support for passage of these state bills. We are accepting workshop submissions for the annual Homes Within Reach conference. Submit your proposal here. Remember that this year’s dates are slightly later than usual. Save the date now for December 14-16, 2026. Also related to the annual Homes Within Reach conference, we have a couple ideas on how to shake it up this year. Stay tuned for more information on potential new content as well as volunteer opportunities to create greater networking opportunities. In solidarity, Phyllis Chamberlain Executive Director |