HOUSING FACT or FICTION

HOUSING FACT or FICTION examines the attitudes and misperceptions that have contributed to the lack of affordable housing throughout New Hampshire.

Each episode weaves in housing facts – and fiction – to explain why New Hampshire faces a critical shortage of housing, and what that means for our economy and well-being of our communities.

The series tackles some of the most pervasive myths that have slowed progress toward building the more than 23,500 housing units needed to meet current demand. Using data, stories, and real examples from New Hampshire communities, HOUSING FACT or FICTION aims to set the record straight.

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WATCH THE EPISODES

EPISODE 1: WHO LIVES IN WORKFORCE HOUSING?
In this episode, we look at who lives in workforce housing, and meet people living and working in Lancaster and Portsmouth who have struggled to find an affordable home for themselves and their families. The terms workforce housing and affordable housing are often misunderstood. Workforce housing includes housing of many types for people of all ages with a range of incomes. It is housing that is affordable to the workforce, retirees, and others in our communities.

EPISODE 2: WHAT IS WORKFORCE HOUSING?
In this episode, we tackle the term “workforce housing.” We hear this term often in our conversations about the housing crisis. But jargon can be confusing. When we talk about workforce housing, what are we talking about? The answers may surprise you.

EPISODE 3: WHAT IS MANUFACTURED HOUSING?
In this episode we cover the most affordable homeownership opportunity available to aspiring homebuyers: Manufactured housing! If you aren’t familiar with today’s manufactured housing, you may not know that there is a history of stigma attached to them dating back decades. We separate fact from fiction regarding manufactured housing and its evolution from “mobile homes” and “trailer parks” to quality, affordable housing. 

EPISODE 4: WHO LIVES IN MANUFACTURED HOUSING?
In this episode we will meet two people who own manufactured homes in New Hampshire. We’ll dig a little deeper into the affordability of manufactured homes, and the stability and sense of community that can be found in a park. We’ll also cover the basics of Resident-Owned Communities (ROCs) work—and why they
matter.

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HOUSING FACT or FICTION is an offshoot of the two-part award-winning documentary film series Communities & Consequences (2008 and 2020) that explored the economic and social realities of NH’s demographics, and the role local policies play. The films and two books documented NH’s struggle to provide housing for residents of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds.