Facing a Critical Shortage of Affordable Housing
A safe, stable place to call home is more than a matter of comfort and convenience. It’s the basis for physical and emotional well-being, and the foundation for a healthy family and a successful life. In this country, it should be possible for hard working people to afford a decent place to live, and still have enough left over for food, transportation and other basic needs – but it is not.The reality is that our country faces a critical shortage of decent housing – especially rental housing – that’s affordable to people with low incomes.
The costs of new housing construction are preventing the creation of enough affordable housing for all the people who need it, and the shortage is growing more urgent. More families than ever before are experiencing deep economic distress and instability.
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It is nearly impossible for a person or family earning the minimum wage to afford a modest apartment anywhere in the United States.
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The number of low-income renters is growing, while the number of affordable apartments is shrinking. In 2009, there was a shortage of 3.4 million affordable apartments for low-income people who needed them.
- At the last national estimate, 80,000 families were homeless on any given night. Families with children are the fastest-growing percentage of the homeless population, because of rising unemployment, falling wages and the shortage of affordable apartments.
Stories of Change
Meet some of the people who know first-hand how challenging it can be to find a safe, decent andaffordable place to call home.
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Carmen and Carlos de Jesus New York A Safe, Stable Place to Call Home Watch the Video >> |
Jennifer Woods Los Angeles Coming Home to a Fresh Start Read Her Story >> |
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Antonnette Okunola Baltimore Hope and Home Restored Read Her Story >> |
Martinez Sisters Washington, D.C. Courage and Determination Read Their Story >> |