There’s critical work occurring to address housing needs in Carbon County.

To that end, the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, in partnership with ReImagine Carbon and the Community Development of the Poconos, presented a conference on Wednesday entitled More Front Doors for Carbon County.

Held at the Orioles Community Center in Lehighton, the event brought together community leaders, businesses, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations to better understand current housing challenges, including the growing need for senior housing, and actively engage in shaping collaborative, solution-focused approaches to reimagining housing in Carbon County.

Gina Nichols, senior director for Community Solutions with the United Way Greater Lehigh Valley, offered welcoming remarks.

Nichols said housing is one of the most critical issues facing Carbon County.

Marci Lesko, president and chief executive officer, United Way Greater Lehigh Valley, explained that the United Way is committed to Carbon County, and noted that Carbon County is her home.

Lesko assured that the United Way is dedicated to creating solutions for affordable housing.

“I know these issues firsthand because I live here,” Lesko said. “We all know we are living in a world that’s changing.”

Lesko then alluded to the rising costs we are all faced with.

Samar Jha, director of government affairs, AARP’s national government affairs team, was a featured speaker.

Jha leads AARP’s local and state housing advocacy for their 53 state offices including District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Virgin Islands.

He is part of AARP’s housing core team and a tactic lead for the housing enterprise strategy.

Jha represents AARP before local and state governing bodies and manages relationships with elected and appointed officials with advocacy on housing and livability policies that support AARP members.

Jha said something needs to be done.

“Housing needs change as you age,” Jha said, adding that as a person ages, their housing needs change as well, and that there has to be housing options available.

Jha spoke about the growing need for senior-focused housing and livable community development, and shared information on Pennsylvania — Local Advocacy for Carbon County.

He discussed an implementable comprehensive plan from June and spoke of its key features, such as plans to increase housing options — Accessory Dwelling Units, tiny homes, cottages, or mixed-use buildings; recommends creating a Land Bank Authority and transforming blighted properties into affordable housing units; metrics emphasize keeping housing costs below 30% of income and locating housing near jobs, services, and transportation; along with goals that explicitly include promoting seniors’ ability to age in place and increasing care facilities.

Tom Campbell, director of housing Initiatives, Pocono Mountains United Way, introduced a group of panelists who took part in a panel discussion centered on Housing & Development Perspectives. The panel included Rob Nicolella, Carbon County Housing Authority; Dave Bodnar, Carbon County Office of Planning and Development; John Dowling, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank; Rich Kisner, Community Strategies Group; and Micah Gursky, Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.

Afterward, there was feedback sharing, as table facilitators shared discussion topics.