Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

To the Editor:

Unfortunately, the August 29 Letter to the Editor commenting on the potential $40 million for affordable housing Dare County may receive raised unwarranted fears. The writer confuses public housing with workforce housing, an example of which is the Dare Education Foundation’s housing for teachers.

There are all too many teachers, first responders, and hospital and hospitality workers who cannot afford to live in the communities they serve and face unreasonable commutes. Some who were renting here were forced out when the property was sold because of the rising prices owners could command. This caused several to leave their jobs here in favor of ones elsewhere with better housing options. Seasonal workers like lifeguards face similar problems.

If this funding materializes I have every confidence Dare County’s leadership will use it wisely and well to strengthen our workforce.

David Shufflebarger

Nags Head

FOR MORE COLUMNS AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, CHECK OUT OUR OPINION SECTION HERE.