MHC harnesses the significant volunteer energy of its members in its active committees. MHC facilitates three standing committees, each chaired by a member of our board of directors: the Fair Housing Coalition; the Education & Advocacy Committee;  and the Membership/Development Committee.

MHC  coordinates the Louisville Vacant Properties Campaign, which provides a forum for concerned citizens and organizations to discuss our growing vacant property crisis.  We’re also a founding member of the Local Options for Kentucky Liens (LOKL) coalition, which is advocating for 21st century policy solutions for our growing vacant property crisis. Lastly, we facilitate other ad-hoc committees on an as-needed basis to address current issues in housing. Other committees of the Board of Directors advance board business on behalf of the organization.

If you would like to participate in any of our committees or would like to learn more, please contact us online or call (502) 584-6858.

You can also support MHC’s work by becoming a member with a donation of any size or renewing your membership.

The Fair Housing Coalition discusses and investigates issues relating to fair housing and anti-discrimination efforts in housing and lending.  Fair Housing Coalition Members include concerned citizens and activists, as well as representatives of governmental and non-profit service organizations.  Participating agencies include the Center for Accessible Living, the Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission, and the Lexington Fair Housing Council.

The Coalition organizes an annual forum during April-Fair Housing Month. In the past, these forums have included topics such as “Barriers to Housing faced by Immigrants” and “Environmental Health and Housing.”

Please contact MHC if you are interested in joining the Fair Housing Coalition or simply check the next meeting date on MHC’s website and attend!

The Fair Housing Coalition meets the second Tuesday of each month.

The Education & Advocacy Committee helps MHC advocate for the need for affordable decent housing policies in the metropolitan, seven-county and statewide areas and to articulate a compelling public education campaign for affordable housing.

The goals of the Advocacy and Education Committee are as follows:

• Develop the MHC advocacy agenda and policy positions
• To interpret “public education” to include (but not be limited to) the following topics:
  • • Develop advocacy and public education strategy to achieve the affordable housing policy goals.
    • Help MHC identify and develop possible research issues.
    • Involve others in advocacy
    • To pursue public education by specifying significant action components

The Education and Advocacy Committee meets on a quarterly basis. To join the committee or learn more, please contact MHC.

The Development Committee helps MHC spread the word about what we do and encourages new members and community partners to join the coalition and the conversation about affordable housing.  The committee also provides input and suggestions to MHC about fundraising activities and opportunities.

Development Committee members are vitally important to MHC’s ability to stay connected to the community and act as liaisons in meetings with potential member organizations and individuals.  If you are a person with contacts and energy, but you don’t have a lot of time to spare, this is the perfect way for you to increase your contribution to MHC.  If you are interested in serving on the Membership Committee, contact MHC to find out how you can get involved!

Louisville Vacant Property Campaign (LVPC) explores the problems and opportunities created by vacant properties, both lots and buildings. The LVPC, a MHC-staffed program, provides a forum for residents and organizations to discuss issues related to vacant properties, how they affect neighborhood revitalization, and strategies and policies to address vacant property issues.

The LVPC has played an integral role in linking residents’ ideas and concerns to Metro Government, including helping organize the April 28, 2011 Louisville Metro Vacant, Abandoned, & Underutilized Properties Summit.

The LVPC meets at 5:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month. LVPC has moved locations and is currently meeting at the Western Branch of Louisville Free Public Library at 10th and Chestnut, 604 S 10th St. Meetings frequently feature guest speakers.  To learn more about the LVPC and to sign up for its email distribution list, contact Michael Kolodziej at michael@metropolitanhousing.org or (502) 584-6858 ext 237.