Brandy Faulkner advocates for Blacksburg home repair initiative at county meeting

During the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 24, 2025, community member Brandy Faulkner passionately advocated for the establishment of a work group focused on home repair options for low-income residents. Faulkner, representing Virginia Organizing, expressed disappointment over the board's resistance to forming this group, emphasizing the urgent need for countywide leadership to address housing issues affecting vulnerable populations.

Faulkner highlighted the lack of legislative barriers preventing the board from convening a work group to explore potential solutions for home repairs. She pointed out that neighboring counties, such as Floyd, Pulaski, and Wythe, have successfully secured significant funding for housing rehabilitation projects, while Montgomery County has yet to take similar steps. This disparity raises concerns about the county's commitment to supporting its residents in need.

The discussion underscored the importance of addressing housing conditions as a critical service provided by the county. Faulkner urged the board to consider the voices of those who may not have the resources to advocate for themselves, stressing that a comprehensive repair program could significantly improve living conditions for many families.

As the meeting concluded, the call for a working group remained unresolved, leaving community members hopeful for future discussions that could lead to actionable solutions for housing repair needs in Montgomery County. The board's next steps in addressing these concerns will be closely watched by residents advocating for change.