MOLINE, ILLINOIS (September 18, 2024) — The Quad Cities Housing Council, in collaboration with several local housing agencies, invites local housing management professionals and landlords to join the "Rent-It Forward!" event on Thursday, September 26, 11:30AM-1:30PM, at The Salvation Army, 2200 5th Avenue, Moline, Illinois.
This gathering is designed to bring together housing professionals and local agencies to strengthen partnerships, discuss current housing challenges, and explore future opportunities for affordable housing solutions. The event will include a panel discussion featuring local experts, a Q&A session, and a meal catered by Biaggi’s. It's an opportunity for professionals to share insights and collaborate on strategies that will sustain and expand affordable housing in our community. Organizations participating in the event include Quad Cities Housing Council, Family Resources, Project NOW Inc, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa Legal Aid, and Humility Homes and Services.
Why Now?
The urgency for this conversation comes in the wake of alarming statistics showing a severe housing shortage in the Quad Cities and beyond. According to the Iowa Finance Authority, the average vacancy rate for rental units in Iowa priced at $600 or less has plummeted to just 2%, the lowest rate since 1985. Even as we move past the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the housing crisis remains a pressing challenge. The population continues to grow, but the housing stock simply isn’t keeping pace.
"This event is a follow-up to a conversation we had two years ago with local landlords and housing management professionals," said Leslie Kilgannon, Executive Director of the Quad Cities Housing Council, a participating sponsor. "We heard your concerns, took action, and now we’re ready to discuss what more can be done to address the ongoing housing crisis. It’s time to lay the groundwork for real change, and we need everyone at the table to make it happen."
All landlords are welcome to attend, regardless of whether they received an invitation. Please RSVP by September 20th to contact@humilityhomes.org to reserve your spot.
About the Quad Cities Housing Council
Founded in 1999 and formerly known as the Scott County Housing Council, the renamed Quad Cities Housing Council (QCHC) is dedicated to providing resources for creating housing opportunities that promote economic and community development. As the local Housing Trust Fund, QCHC also serves bi-state entities and acts as the resource development arm of the Quad Cities Housing Cluster, a consortium of bi-state not-for-profit and for-profit housing service providers and developers, lenders, funders, local governments and members of the housing industry. Cluster members work collaboratively to address the overall housing needs and opportunities of the Quad Cities’ communities. To learn more, visit qchousingcouncil.org.
