BETHLEHEM, Pa. — PBS39 explored how, for many residents of the Lehigh Valley, keeping a roof overhead has become increasingly difficult.
“A Community Conversation: Priced Out of the Valley,” which was broadcast live on March 26, addressed "housing gridlock," in which record-high prices, a 9,000-unit deficit and high interest rates have frozen the market for the workforce and first-time buyers.
The hourlong interview program brought together experts, policymakers and people directly affected by eviction to discuss the realities behind the numbers.
The conversation examined why evictions are rising, how housing shortages impact families, and what local organizations and governments are doing to help.
The hourlong program was hosted by PBS39's Megan Frank.
It was broadcast at PBS39 and streaming at PBS39.org, as well as on the PBS39 YouTube channel.
Guests and those featured included:
- Anna Smith, Director, Community Action Development Bethlehem
- Cliff Lewis, President, Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors
- Erin Connelly, United Way’s VP of Community Solutions and co-chair of the LV Regional Homeless Advisory Board
- Loren Keim is a professor of practice in the Goodman Center for Real Estate in the Perella Department of Finance at Lehigh Business — via Zoom
- Josh Siegel, Lehigh County Executive, in a taped segment
- Orphe Divounguy, Zillow Senior Economist, in a taped segment with producer Megan Frank
- Sara Satullo, Deputy Director of Community Development, Bethlehem
LehighValleyNews.com's Jason Addy also had a report on an affordable housing development project in Allentown.
Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Allentown is on the road to becoming a 12-unit, “deeply affordable” apartment complex, under the direction of Ripple Community Inc.
PBS39 is part of Lehigh Valley Public Media, along with 91.3 WLVR radio and LehighValleyNews.com.
