'Advocates For Affordable Housing': Fairfield Community Leader

FAIRFIELD, CT — Without community leaders, Fairfield Patch wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Robin Jerrild, a Fairfield Patch reader who nominated Renee Dobos.

How do you know the community leader?

Leads a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing for low-income families. There is a housing crisis in Connecticut

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Renee advocates for Affordable Housing. Due to the shortage of 87,000 units of affordable housing in Connecticut, Renee realizes that the way to solve this crisis is by building new affordable housing, which will alleviate housing cost burdens for low to moderate-income households. Increasing the housing supply through building significant, planned housing developments will drive the largest gains in housing affordability. “More affordable housing options mean many Connecticut families have an opportunity to build a better life for themselves and save for things like college, retirement, their first permanent home, and achieve financial stability,” says Renee.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

According to Renee, creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income families has been the most significant endeavor for her. “For over 30 years, we have provided high-quality, affordable rental units to families so they can achieve financial stability and thrive. We provide over 500 high-quality rental units to over 1000 low-income residents living under 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI),” she explains. “We are committed to broadening our impact throughout Connecticut. The other project that will address the affordable housing crisis for the elderly, is building a brand-new senior development in Monroe, CT, the first of its kind in this town. This new development will allow these low-income seniors to 'age in place' comfortably.”

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Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

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