Some 500 people, from business executives to labor leaders and housing activists, are expected to attend the first Minnesota Housing Convention Nov. 14 at the Bandana Square Conference Center in St. Paul.

A coalition of organizations is sponsoring the gathering, which will focus on the future of housing and ways to improve availability and affordability. "Housing has really reached a crisis situation" in many Minnesota communities, said Jennifer Blevins, an organizer for the Jobs and Affordable Housing Campaign. All kinds of housing - from rental apartments to single-family homes - have gotten beyond the reach of many families.

About 150 people attended a meeting in June to discuss the problem, Blevins said. Five hundred, including housing developers, social service providers, housing advocates, public officials and people affected by the housing crisis, are expected to take part in the convention on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will include a keynote speech on "Assessing the Federal Housing Scene" by David Stanley, a member of the Millennial Housing Commission set up by the U.S. Congress. Former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer and St. Paul Companies executive Karen Himle will co-chair the convention.

Participants will break into regional caucuses to discuss principles and to set policies for the upcoming legislative session, then everyone will join in electronic voting on the proposals, Blevins said.

The event is free and open to the public. Financial assistance is available to people traveling from outside the metropolitan area, but must be arranged in advance.

For more information and to register online, go to http://mhponline.org and click on "Minnesota Housing Convention."