Housing shortage a problem for Odessa businesses

ODESSA – Several Odessa businesses are having difficulty hiring employees due to the housing shortage in Odessa. Offering people jobs is one thing, helping them find a place to live is quite another. Commuting from Spokane or even from some closer communities loses its appeal over the long term, even when businesses are offering additional gas stipends or other more generous benefits.

Currently, there are no Odessa homes listed with local realtors. Michelle Melgren with Katz Realty of Davenport told The Record that the few homes that are available in Lind and Ritzville are being snapped up by...