Laconia Housing Authority faces funding shortfall threatening rental assistance for hundreds

The Laconia City Council meeting on February 10, 2025, highlighted critical discussions surrounding housing challenges in the community, particularly the ongoing shortfall in funding for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Laconia Housing Authority presented alarming statistics, revealing that the average subsidy for tenants has surged from $575 in 2018 to $833 in 2024, driven by rising rental costs. This increase has led to a significant funding gap, with the authority projecting a potential shortfall of up to $731,000 if federal funding does not meet the rising demand.

Kathy Bowler, the Executive Director of Laconia Housing, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the authority is currently unable to issue new vouchers due to funding constraints. This has resulted in a waitlist of 821 individuals, with the wait time for housing now extending to three and a half to four years. The council was informed that if the funding situation does not improve, vulnerable populations, including seniors and veterans, could face homelessness or forced relocations.

The meeting also addressed the importance of maintaining existing housing stock and the potential consequences of funding cuts, which could lead to deferred maintenance and reduced support services. The council members expressed concern over the ripple effects of these funding issues, noting that losing landlords willing to participate in the program could further exacerbate the housing crisis in Laconia.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the pressing need for advocacy at the state and federal levels to secure adequate funding for housing assistance programs, underscoring the critical role these services play in supporting the community's most vulnerable residents.