Camden Rotarians Explore Workforce Housing Challenges and Solutions

Wed, 04/14/2021 - 8:15am

Joe Cloutier, co-founder of Realty Resources Group, will discuss affordable workforce housing solutions at Camden Rotary Club’s Zoom meeting at noon on Tuesday, April 20.

Cloutier will discuss completed affordable housing projects in New England and how these developments have diversified community income levels while saving workers travel time and housing and energy costs. He will also talk about the value of realistic construction protocols and the effectiveness of affordable housing coalitions in bringing about change.

Born in Maine, Cloutier began clamming and lobstering at the age of eight. After graduating from the University of Maine, he studied law at Boston College and practiced law before devoting his career to affordable housing. Cloutier and his wife Linda developed their first affordable housing project in 1976. Since then, they’ve created numerous low-income and workforce housing communities in New England and currently have 25 projects in the pipeline.

Cloutier’s presentation will be the eighth in a series about economic and workforce development. Club members are exploring issues such as housing, internet access, vocational training, and career opportunities to identify potential solutions to local economic challenges.

The club’s website at www.camdenrotary.org includes recordings of all the talks in this series. Anyone who would like to attend can obtain connection details from Stephanie Griffin: steph.griffinsg00@gmail.com.