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ing again after the first rental he lived in jumped 20 percent in price one year. He shared that, despite his wanting to continue living in Williston, he will need to move to a more stable environment if he can’t find something more long-term soon.

McSweeney detailed during the discussion why housing can be difficult to attain. Most landlords in the area require at least a 720 credit score, she said, or proof that applicants make at least three times the renting price in their monthly income. With the tight market, landlords have no motivation to make themselves accessible to a wider pool of applicants.

Next to speak was Matt Boulanger, the planning director and zoning administrator for the Town of Williston. He said his office is looking for long-term solutions, such as trying to accommodate more high-density

housing like Finney Crossing. He said that his job is “making sure what is needed is allowed.” His office negotiates with developers like Snyder homes, which co-owns Finney Crossing, to include affordable housing in their projects. While the town offers incentives, they are not often taken, Boulanger said.

For those who are already homeless, solutions are in short order. Angela Arsenault, a state representative for Williston, was able to speak on the motel voucher program that had been set up due to Covid. She revealed that, despite a recent vote on budgeting ending the program, there is no transition plan in place for those who were using it.

“There is nowhere for people to go,” Arsenault said.

All the speakers shared the hope that those who came to the event will continue to have an interest in affordable housing and bolster the community’s will do improve the situation.

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