Faces of Blacksburg for Affordable Housing

As a Blacksburg resident, all one needs to do is look at the signs of the spring housing market and scroll through real estate listings to understand the need for more affordable housing in the community. However, what may not be fully understood, is who needs more affordable housing, why they need it, what it might take to provide more of it, and what sorts of tradeoffs will be required of our community to achieve it.

In order to move forward as a community, on this important issue, this Faces of Blacksburg campaign attempts to dispel common myths about affordable housing, provide more context on what the Town is doing to address the issue, explain what resources and limitations exist to support affordable housing, and create an opportunity for questions and engagement.

This is not an issue that one sector of our community can address alone, it will take the support, participation, trust, and action on the part of neighborhoods, the business community, Virginia Tech, financial institutions, developers, realtors, and local government.

Over the next few weeks, the Town of Blacksburg will post Facebook stories of individual and family experiences in their search for affordable housing. During the campaign, the town will engage the community on Let’s Talk Blacksburg where additional information will be shared and conversations will be had.

More specifically,
 If someone feels inspired by the Facebook stories, they’re encouraged to tell their story on Let’s Talk Blacksburg, too!
 If there’s a question about affordable housing, individuals should check out the housing FAQ or ask the town for an informed answer.
 Anyone willing to learn more and engage on this topic is encouraged to let the town know their interests.

This is an opportunity to learn more, be constructive and solution oriented, and create the community Blacksburg residents and prospective residents want for the future.

Click here to view and participate in the Town’s Affordable Housing Facts, Myths and Strategies community engagement campaign.

For additional information call the Housing and Community Connections office at 540-443-1610 or email housing@blacksburg.gov