Your support is respectfully being sought for a mixed-income workforce housing initiative called “The Residences at Epping Station” to be located at 46 Martin Road in Epping, NH. This initiative will provide residential housing for middle-income workers, such as teachers, first responders, and medical workers, and will increase the pool of available labor for Epping businesses. Support for this initiative from Epping residents, business owners, and workers who recognize the critical need for workforce housing and its associated economic benefits will help to bring this initiative to completion.

Much like most other states, NH and its businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19 and its effect on the available workforce; but this is not the only reason NH towns and businesses are suffering from a labor scarcity. Because of the ongoing housing crisis in this state, middle-income workers and families are finding it difficult to locate affordable housing in New Hampshire. Epping is no exception to this dilemma. 

Without a supply of affordable housing, Epping will lose middle-income earners, like local teachers, medical personnel, and first responders who will have no choice but to move to more affordable areas, and statistics reflect this reality. According to Epping’s 2020 town report, Epping's ratio of deaths to births was a staggering 58 deaths to 9 births last year. Unless this statistic is reversed with new housing options to support workers and growing families, Epping’s community, business, tax base, and economy will suffer the consequences.

So what's the bottom line? The integration of new workforce housing that is affordable for families and workers is essential for the sustainability of Epping’s economy, businesses and the overall fabric of this community. This is because those who are typically attracted to these residences are the bedrock of the community; they work in and manage our businesses, save our lives, fix our cars, prepare our meals, and teach our children. For Epping to thrive, workers need access to affordable housing, businesses need access to local employees, and the community needs businesses and adequate housing for a robust tax base.

By signing this petition and supporting this initiative, you will help to stabilize the volatile housing market, increase the supply of local affordable housing, and allow residents of Epping to work, engage, and live in the community they reside in. It is best for any community that police officers and first responders can live where they save lives, teachers can live where they instruct, and workers, in general, can live in the communities that they help serve. Your support of Epping, its economy, and its collective future is greatly appreciated. Visit www.eppingwfh.wordpress.com for more information.