We wanted to share the following letter from Jess Sobel with our readers about the upcoming 2008 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing:

Over ten years ago a group of Michigan organizations involved in community development came together to plan the first ever Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing. We came together with a common vision. A vision of bringing together in one place at one time everyone in Michigan involved in housing, homelessness, and other community development issues. A vision of providing training, sharing best practices, and learning from each other. A vision of breaking down barriers between different segments of the industry and building enduring partnerships across those segments: partnerships between those concerned with homelessness and those concerned with housing development; partnerships between the for-profit sector and the nonprofit sector; partnerships between local units of government and local nonprofit organizations; partnerships between people and organizations from urban areas and rural areas.

We understood then, and still believe now, that the partnerships and friendships built at each conference are the essential and critical ingredients needed for any and all of us to have any lasting success at what we do every day - insuring that everyone in Michigan has a roof over their head and a great place to call home. Whether we're trying to build new housing, rehabilitate existing housing, provide shelter or permanent supportive housing, or prevent homes and families from bring foreclosed upon - whether we're trying to tackle individual needs or rebuild neighborhoods - we can only do this together.

Since the first conference, our theme has been Partners Building Communities. As we come back together this year, let’s rededicate ourselves to working together as one community, sharing a common vision and working towards a common goal. As quoted below from members of the planning committee:

“Where others see dilapidated houses...we envision homes restored to provide shelter for generations of families.”

“Where others see empty, broken storefronts...we envision the realization of the entrepreneurial dreams of successful small businesses which will create jobs..."

“We have a vision of communities without homelessness - not because homeless individuals and families have been moved out of sight and mind, but because the community came together to eliminate homelessness."

“A community is only as strong as its ability to build bridges and welcome diverse partners with various perspectives, talents, wisdom, and resources to the table."

“We have a vision of communities of choice - diverse, healthy, vibrant communities where people choose to live, work, and play."

Come join us at the annual conference, and share the vision!

The registration brochure is available at www.housingconference.org. Note the early bird registration deadline is Monday, April 7.

Jess Sobel
Chairperson, Planning Committee
Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing