BOISE - The Idaho Governor's Conference on Housing continued on Tuesday at the Boise Centre on the Grove with eight workshops and two powerful keynote addresses.

"The link between available, affordable housing and economic strength and stability is undeniable. The two have been intimate partners, critical components of each other's success and vitality for hundreds of years," IHFA President and Executive Director Gerald Hunter said.

Conference attendees hear speakers and panelists from throughout the housing industry. The conference is focused on the stabilizing influence of housing, strengthening partnerships with the many groups and individuals required to develop and manage affordable housing, examining current challenges, and developing strategies to address future housing concerns.

Eight workshops today focused mainly on banking/lending, builders/developers, real estate ownership & sales, and public sector. Also, HUD Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing Michael Liu, and national inspirational speaker Liz Murray (Homeless to Harvard: An Inspirational Journey), both conducted keynote addresses.

On Wednesday, the final day of the conference, HGTV's "Dream Builders" host Scott Morgan will offer a keynote and workshops will center on combating predatory lending, home ownership, affordable housing financing, mold and lead-based paint, rural Idaho service providers, public housing agencies and homeless shelter management.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Reporters are invited and encouraged to attend any of the keynote addresses or workshops. Complimentary passes for all conference activities are available by contacting Reed Hollinshead at 208-331-4858.

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing organization, provides funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities where they are most needed and when it is economically feasible. IHFA uses no state funds or state employees to support its operations. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ihfa.org.