Tri-State leaders gather at Tri-State Housing Summit

HANNIBAL, Mo. (KHQA) — Tri-State leaders from Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa gathered in America's Hometown Thursday morning to discuss housing issues the region faces right now.

Organizers of the Tri-State Housing Summit said adequate housing is essential to achieving desired growth and quality of life in the region.

"The importance of the Tri-State housing is that we get to learn from Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois about different programs that each one is doing so that maybe we might be able to replicate those programs," said Two Rivers Regional Council Intake Specialist Elaine Davis.

First-time homeowners had access to one-on-one information from local housing experts throughout the Tri-States.

That information included new ideas about homeownership, aging homes, and redevelopment ideas.

"We're being able to help renters with being able to afford their rent and finding programs that would help renters and landlords to be able to pay back pay," said Davis. She was blown away by a new development idea from just across the river. "Iowa is really doing a wonderful program that is benefiting the community to be able to help prisoners to learn skills and get people to then buy the homes."

St. Charles, Missouri resident Melody Hansen received financial assistance from NECAC's Weatherization Program. It helps save families money and fuel by weatherproofing a house's interior.

"I didn't think people did this. I'm your typical senior, and I thought, well, it's a scam. I'm going to get hurt," said Hansen.

She said if the weatherization team hadn't inspected her home when they did, the outcome could have been deadly.

"I didn't know that the pipes in my furnace had rusted out. And if that gas company guy hadn't come in November and turned it on, I would have been gone," said Hansen.

Hansen said she's extremely grateful for those small deeds.

"These people are honorable. They gave their word, they kept their word, and they did a professional job. They did a great job and more than I ever expected," said Hansen.

NECAC sponsored the free event, a partnership with NeighborhoodWorks, the Tri-State Summit, Two Rivers Regional Council, and the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission.

NECAC reminds everyone if they have any questions or concerns to call them at (573) 221-3404.