The Essential Need for Workforce Housing in Gateway Communities

Gateway communities across the nation, including those surrounding the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, are facing a growing crisis—an acute lack of affordable housing for essential workers.

This issue is not just about housing prices; it is about the stability and sustainability of the workforce that keeps these communities thriving. From education and healthcare to skilled trades and emergency services, the availability of attainable housing for our community builders (teachers, nurses, policemen and women, healthcare workers, tradesmen and women, and first responders, among others) directly impacts the quality of life and services available in our communities. If they cannot afford to live near where they work, they will be forced to find jobs in other communities.

Safety at Risk

Consider this from Brian Ferguson, Fire Chief Glen Arbor:

“Our first responders cannot afford to live in the place where they work, and some are choosing to walk away from the profession altogether, forced to make a difficult decision between pursuing a dream and supporting a family. We here at the Glen Lake Fire Department have 23 dedicated first responders on staff (17 full-time employees and 6 part-time employees), only 5 of whom live within our area of coverage. Eighteen (78%) of our responders live outside the area, with travel distances to our station ranging from 15 miles to 65 miles. When a major incident occurs, and we need additional staffing, our people simply cannot safely respond from home within a reasonable timeframe to help. We cannot risk the ramifications of a mass exodus among our public servants because of a housing crisis.”

Education at Risk

A stable and qualified education workforce is crucial for the well-being of any community. However, in many tourist-driven regions, including those surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes, schools struggle to attract and retain teachers and staff due to the high cost of living. For example, Glen Lake High School has not successfully hired a new teacher in the past six years because educators cannot afford to live in the area. The situation is becoming even more dire as nearly 50% of the current staff are expected to retire within the next five years.

Without attainable housing options, schools may face declining enrollments and potential closures, ultimately harming students and families.

Healthcare in Jeopardy

The impact of the housing crisis extends into the healthcare sector as well. Hospitals, clinics, and caregiving facilities are experiencing staffing shortages due to the high cost of living in our Northern Michigan communities. Long emergency room wait times, a lack of nurses and pharmacists, and limited access to essential medical services are becoming common problems. Munson Medical Center CEO Ed Ness has explicitly stated that one of the biggest barriers to recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals is the lack of affordable housing in the area.

This shortage does not just affect those who work in healthcare—it has a ripple effect on the entire community, leading to reduced access to medical care for residents and visitors alike.

How Can You Help? A Call to Action

The consequences of the housing crisis are real and growing. Without immediate action, the very fabric of gateway communities could be irreversibly altered. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between policymakers, local businesses, and residents to develop sustainable housing solutions that allow essential workers and our community builders to live within the communities they serve.

At SBGC, we are committed to advocating for and implementing solutions that ensure attainable housing for our workforce. We urge community members to support local initiatives, share this message, and engage in discussions that lead to meaningful change.

To learn more and find ways to contribute, visit sleepingbeargateways.org. Here are a few immediate ways you can help:

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