Message from the Executive Director

In the United States Housing Act of 1937 our federal government proclaimed, “It is the policy of the United States to remedy the acute shortage of decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings for families of lower income.” The Housing Act of 1949 reiterated this policy with the central goal of providing “as soon as feasible . . . a decent home and suitable living environment” for every family. All these decades later, “the acute shortage” continues, and “as soon as feasible” has not yet arrived.

The current administration has essentially ignored the mandated housing policy of our country while patting itself on the back about an increased homeownership rate that has almost everything to do with lower interest rates and dubious lending practices, and almost nothing to do with housing policy. Meanwhile, 70% of low income renters now pay more than 50% of their incomes for housing, while federal funding for low income housing assistance has continued to shrink.

There is hope, of course, for there is new congressional leadership which is already demonstrating that it is much more attuned to the true housing needs in America. Here at the Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority, we are proud to continue to do our small part toward achieving the national housing goals set forth so many years ago. And it is our privilege to serve the deserving families and individuals who come our way.

So welcome to our website, and we look forward to having you come our way.

Dick Dunfey
Executive Director