By Michael Tukeva, President/CEO of Pocono Mountains United Way 

When we talk about housing, we’re really talking about the future of our community. We’re talking about the families who live here now—our neighbors, coworkers, and friends—and about ensuring they have a safe, affordable place to call home. Yet, too often, conversations about new housing developments are met with resistance rooted in fear and misconceptions. It’s time to shift that narrative and embrace a mindset of Yes in My Community. 

The Reality Behind the Myths 

One of the most common concerns I hear is that affordable housing will lead to increased crime or lower property values. However, the data tells a different story. Well-planned, thoughtfully designed housing developments do not diminish community safety. In fact, stable housing fosters safer, more connected neighborhoods. Research consistently shows that affordable housing either maintains or increases property values in surrounding areas, particularly when designed with care and integrated into the community. 

Another myth is that our infrastructure—roads, schools, and utilities—can’t handle growth. Yet, smart housing solutions are developed with these needs in mind, often bringing in funding and improvements that benefit everyone. When done right, affordable housing becomes a catalyst for better infrastructure, not a burden. 

Housing for Our Neighbors 

Perhaps the most damaging misconception is the idea that affordable housing is for “outsiders.” The truth is, this issue is deeply personal to our local community. It’s about the nurse who cares for us at the hospital but can’t afford to live nearby. It’s about the teacher shaping the minds of our children who struggles to find housing within their means. It’s about the young family, born and raised in the Poconos, now priced out of the very community they love.  

By investing in attainable housing, we are supporting our own community of ambulance drivers, hospitality workers, and small business owners. We are giving local families the opportunity to thrive, stay rooted, and contribute to the community we all cherish. 

Building Homes, Building Businesses 

Housing and business development go hand in hand. When people have access to stable, affordable housing, they can better participate in the local economy—spending money at local businesses, contributing to job creation, and strengthening our tax base. Moreover, businesses are more likely to invest in areas where their employees can afford to live. This means new jobs, more services, and greater economic growth. 

A stronger business community helps reduce the tax burden on individual homeowners. As businesses flourish and contribute to local revenues, the financial load is more evenly distributed, easing pressure on residents. Housing development, therefore, isn’t just about shelter; it’s about economic vitality and opportunity. 

A Community-Wide Effort 

To achieve these outcomes, we need a collective effort. Policymakers, local leaders, businesses, and residents must come together to champion thoughtful housing solutions. By collaborating, we can implement policies that encourage smart growth, streamline zoning processes, and attract the investment needed to make affordable housing a reality. 

Saying “yes” to housing in our community means saying yes to a brighter future for everyone. It means acknowledging that our strength lies in our ability to adapt, grow, and care for one another. It means believing that every family—our families—deserve a place to call home. 

Let’s replace fear with facts, misconceptions with understanding, and resistance with resolve. Let’s say yes to housing. Let’s say yes to opportunity. Let’s say yes in our community. 

Pocono Mountains United Way and Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau hosted More Front Doors: The Pocono Housing Summit. To read Michael’s immediate reaction to the summit, visit his LinkedIn page.