Housing
Mission
To improve the quality of life and standard of living for the residents of northeastern Pennsylvania through examination of housing stock and housing affordability.
Purpose
The task force is comprised of diverse groups of professionals to convene and participate in creating policy solutions based on evidence and best practices that have the potential to impact legislation and beyond.
The task force examines a variety of issues related to housing planning and zoning, affordability, housing stock, and homelessness. Key data and trends concerning these factors as well as case studies and best practices are considered.
The task force will maintains a bilingual education information best website to assist new and existing homebuyers.
The task force produces newsletters and coordinates events related to housing.
Housing Research
Visit The Institute’s You Tube Channel for video presentations on our housing research.
Task Force Members
- Charlie Kasko, – Chair, Classic Properties
- Scott Constantini, AVP of Primary Care and Recovery Services, The Wright Center
- Lisa Durkin, President & CEO, United Neighborhood Centers
- Jesse Ergott, Executive Director, NeighborWorks Northeast
- Steven Farrell, Owner, Classic Properties
- Patrick Fricchione, President & CEO, Simplex Homes
- Dana Hanchin, HDC MidAtlantic
- Erica Hubert, Director of HIV Case Management, The Wright Center
- Patricia Moroz, US, Housing & Urban Development
- Andy Reilly, Luzerne County Community Development Department
- Jahan Tabat, Family Investments Realty
Sarah, a former Institute intern, joined The Institute in April 2021 as a Research Assistant. She started her new role as a Research Analyst in January 2024. 
Dr. Jolene Carey-Pace joined The Institute Team in 2021 as a Research Analyst. In 2023, she was named Senior Research & Policy Analyst. 
Jill Avery-Stoss joined The Institute in June 2018 to fill the newly-created role of Research, Data, Intern & Administrative Coordinator. She assists with the collection and management of data for purposes of ethical and efficient analysis. She visits partner campuses to market The Institute’s internship opportunities, and participates in event-planning logistical activities as well. In 2021, Jill was promoted to Director of Operations to reflect the diversity in her job description and the additional marketing and communication functions she successfully mastered in 2020. In 2022, Jill was named Chief Operating Officer after expanding into both research and administrative management functions. Jill is taking on project management, fundraising, and other executive leadership functions of the organization.
Research Analyst in 2022.
Ooms is responsible for all facets of research, organizational strategy, and management. Ooms is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. Ooms has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis.