Community Matters Newsletter – Fall 2012

Advocacy is an integral component of Mercy Housing’s mission. We work to be a catalyst that causes our nation’s leaders to find ways to close the gap between the supply and demand for affordable housing. As part of our advocacy efforts, Mercy Housing leadership has been hosting tours for Congressional leaders and their staff throughout the country to raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing in their communities.

As part of the tours, Mercy Housing staff introduces staffers to affordable housing finance and to Mercy Housing’s work throughout the country. They also introduce staffers to residents who talk about the positive impact this housing has on their lives.

During a recent tour in Atlanta, Georgia, Mercy Housing Southeast President Charice Heywood and several other Mercy Housing staff members hosted Chris Cook, Legislative Assistant for Senator Johnny Isakson at The Atrium at College Town. The Atrium is a 190-unit property for seniors near the Historic West End of Atlanta. Staff highlighted the importance of legislative support for the elderly as well as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to continue to build affordable housing in the area.

Eva Wingren, Public Policy Associate for Mercy Housing, said, “The goal of the tours is to build strong relationships with our congressional leaders and introduce them to our work and our residents. Hopefully, this will ensure that they remember us when we contact them about important legislation affecting affordable housing. We are so glad Mr. Cook was able to join us and learn more about what Mercy Housing is doing in Atlanta.”