BENZONIA — Housing Trust of Benzie will host its annual Community Conversation on housing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 2026, at Mills Community House in Benzonia.
According to a Jan. 22 news release, the event will include a guest speaker presentation by Ryan Kilpatrick of Flywheel Momentum, followed by a reception.
The organization said the evening is intended to highlight housing challenges and opportunities in Benzie County and provide space for community members to learn, ask questions and engage with neighbors.
Housing Trust of Benzie said the event is open to anyone, regardless of prior knowledge about housing or housing challenges. The organization said it will provide light food and warm drinks, along with a kids activity station.
Housing Trust of Benzie also plans to share an update on Cottages at Corning, its four-home attainable housing development in Frankfort.
The organization said the project remains on track for summer 2026 occupancy and exterior construction is underway on all four homes. Community members can drive down Corning Avenue to see the first two homes, the organization said.
The organization said this year’s Community Conversation reflects a priority on community engagement through its newly formed Education and Outreach Committee, which is aimed at helping Benzie County residents better understand housing challenges and explore solutions.
“Our community is full of people who care deeply about one another, and that gives us real momentum,” Stephanie Williams, a board member and chair of the Education and Outreach Committee, said. “By learning together and talking openly about housing, we’re taking important steps toward a future where more of our neighbors can put down roots and feel secure.”
Housing Trust of Benzie said it recently added Amy Schindler to its board of directors and thanked Doug Rath, whose term concluded in December 2025, for years of service.
More information is available at housingtrustofbenzie.org/get-involved and www.housingtrustofbenzie.org. People who cannot attend in person can visit the organization’s website or Facebook page the day of the event for details on how to livestream.