The state of New Hampshire has accepted a $50 million federal grant to build affordable housing. How much of the current housing shortage that will ease is an ongoing question, one that podcast producer Roger Wood asked Elissa Margolin, the executive director of the nonprofit New Hampshire Housing Action NH.
Elissa Margolin serves as director of Housing Action NH, a statewide organization of 80 organizations and businesses working to improve state and federal policy so everyone in New Hampshire has a place to call home.
Since its founding in 2009, Housing Action NH has successfully secured appropriations for the InvestNH Housing Program and the Affordable Housing Fund, increased funding for NH’s homeless shelters, established a new Medicaid benefit for supportive housing services, helped pass the Community Toolbox Bill and accessory dwelling unit legislation, created the Housing Appeals Board, and protected the Workforce Housing Law.
Elissa holds a J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law and a B.A. from McGill University. She resides in Portsmouth with her husband, a number of musical instruments, and a miniature dachshund.
Roger Wood is an award winning radio, podcast, newspaper and television journalist, with over 40 years of experience in the media. Roger has spent his entire professional career in New Hampshire. Roger currently serves as associate publisher and podcast producer at InDepthNH.org. In 2021 and 2022, he was recognized by the New Hampshire Press Association for his work in news podcasts. Prior to that he was honored for his work in broadcast radio news and public affairs. He has produced news and special feature reports for InDepthNH,
New Hampshire Public Radio, NPR, and other public and commercial radio stations. He also produced spot news for CBS Radio. He has produced and narrated some 50 audiobooks and has written three novels. Roger has also moderated political forums for Seacoast Area Chambers of Commerce in Senate, gubernatorial and congressional races. He has also facilitated public policy discussions locally and statewide. Roger and his wife Elaine reside in Portsmouth with their cat Sebastian.
Roger Wood
Associate publisher
Podcast Producer
Indepthnh.org
603-502-0032