The League of Women Voters of Orange County, Florida hosts a panel discussion of long-term solutions to a housing crisis that affects renters of all ages and income brackets in its Hot Topics luncheon, “Give Me Shelter: Innovative Solutions to Our Housing Crises” June 14 at 11:30 am at the Winter Park Events Center on Morse Blvd. The discussion probes how this problem can be alleviated.
Low wages, a shortage of apartments and rising rents create a perfect storm for workers, their families and others who live on fixed incomes. What is being done long-term to provide the kind of communities where people can live? The panelists will provide examples of two innovative solutions to housing and how they work with the community and local government.
Beth Kassab, Editor of the Winter Park Voice, will moderate. The panel includes Terry Prather, Senior Advisor to Lift Orlando, Ryan Von Weller, Chief Operating Officer for Wendover Housing Partners, and Mitchell Glasser, Housing and Community Development Manager for Orange County.
The public affairs program and catered lunch at Winter Park Events Center at 1050 Morse Blvd. begins at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $30 for members; $37 non-members.
HT Overtime immediately follows in the Winter Park Library, 1:15-1:45 pm.
PANELISTS (Visit Hot Topics page for full bios.)
Beth Kassabis a Central Florida native and journalist who has devoted her career to local news. After twenty years with the Orlando Sentinel, she joined the Winter Park Voice in 2023 with experience in telling the stories of the people and organizations who help define this region.
Terry Pratherbecame a founding board member of Lift Orlando (2013,) a community development organization that strengthens neighborhoods so people can thrive. He transitioned to Senior Advisor at Lift Orlando after serving as the Chief Operating Officer for seven years.
Ryan Von Weller is the Chief Operating Officer at Wendover Housing Partners and an MBA graduate of Rollins College. He is a commercial real estate broker responsible for Wendover’s multi-family and residential development throughout the state of Florida.
Mitchell Glasser has more than thirty years of experience with affordable housing programs. As manager of Orange County’s Housing and Community Development Division, he is responsible for administering all the federal, state, and local housing programs for Orange County, Florida.
Hot Topics is sponsored by Climate First Bank and streamed on the League’s Facebook page live, recorded, and available on the League’s YouTube channel.