Eighteen people attend first housing advocate training session

January 19, 2023 | By LISA WIGODA

Eighteen people representing local churches, clinics and social service agencies met Wednesday at the Quincy Public Library to learn about the city's minimum housing complaint form. | Photo courtesy of Lisa Wigoda

QUINCY — Finding housing in Quincy is expected to become more efficient now that the first housing advocate training session took place Wednesday at the Quincy Public Library.

Led by Janet Conover and three other members of the Safe and Livable Housing Committee, 18 people representing local churches, clinics and social service agencies met to learn about the city’s minimum housing complaint form and how best to assist renters in apartments and houses who find their units to be dangerous or unfit for their families.

Chuck Bevelheimer, director of planning and development, and Michael Seaver, director of inspection and enforcement, were in attendance, along with Steve Salrin, deputy chief with the Quincy Fire Department. They answered questions and clarified city municipal housing codes, which will help advocates assist tenants to better understand their responsibilities, as well as their landlords’ responsibilities.

Another advocate training will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Quincy Unitarian Church at 16th and Hampshire. Contact Conover at 217-242-2899 or jgatesconover@aol.com to sign up.