Why Affordable Housing is Important & How You Can Make an Impact

Affordable housing is an important topic among communities across the United States. Reduced access to affordable housing can lead to homelessness, displacement, and a variety of other issues that can have far-reaching consequences. As a result, affordable housing programs are critical to ensuring that people have access to a safe and affordable place to live.

Many people acknowledge the importance of affordable housing and want to help but they don’t know where to start. Some may be interested in volunteering with organizations that provide affordable housing or support services, but they don’t know how to find opportunities in their local area. Others may want to donate money to support affordable housing programs but may be unsure which organizations to support.

In the following, we’ll expand on what affordable housing programs are and why they’re important, then list out some of the ways you can support affordable housing programs.

What are affordable housing programs & why are they important?

Affordable housing programs are initiatives implemented by governments, nonprofit organizations, and other entities to help low-income individuals and families access safe and affordable housing. These programs aim to alleviate the burden of housing costs for those who struggle to afford market-rate housing. While specific programs may vary by region, the most common of these are the Housing Choice Vouchers program (HUD/Section 8) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program (LIHTC).

Affordable housing programs are important for several reasons. First, they help to address the issue of homelessness. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there were over 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in 2020 and about 30% of those people were families with children. Affordable housing programs can provide individuals and families with a safe and stable place to live, which can help prevent homelessness and reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness.

Second, Affordable housing programs help to promote economic stability. When people have access to affordable housing, they have more money to spend on other necessities like food, healthcare, and education. This increased spending can help to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Additionally, affordable housing programs can help to reduce the burden of housing costs on low-income families, freeing up money for other expenses.

Third, affordable housing programs can help to ensure that people are not priced out of their homes or forced to move due to rising costs. When housing prices increase in certain neighborhoods, it can be challenging for many people to afford to continue living there. Affordable housing programs provide an alternative for those who might otherwise be at risk of displacement, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities. By offering safe and affordable housing options, these programs can help to create stable, thriving communities and reduce the likelihood of displacement and forced moves.

How can someone get involved in and support affordable housing programs?

Advocacy

There are several ways that you can get involved and support affordable housing programs. One way is to advocate for affordable housing policies at the local, state, and federal levels. This can include attending public meetings, writing letters to elected officials, and participating in rallies or marches. Advocating for affordable housing policies can help to raise awareness about the issue and encourage lawmakers to take action.

Advocacy Resources:

1. National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) - The NLIHC is a nonprofit organization that advocates for policies and programs that provide affordable housing for low-income people. They have resources on their website to help people get involved in advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.
2. Your local housing authority - Your local housing authority may have information on upcoming public meetings or events related to affordable housing policy. They may also have suggestions on how you can get involved in advocacy efforts in your community.
3. National Alliance to End Homelessness - The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonprofit organization that works to prevent and end homelessness in the United States. They have resources on their website that can help people get involved in advocacy efforts related to affordable housing and homelessness.
4. Local advocacy groups - There may be local advocacy groups in your community that focus specifically on affordable housing issues. These groups can provide information on upcoming events and ways to get involved in advocacy efforts.
5. Your elected officials - You can reach out to your elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to express your support for affordable housing policies. Many elected officials have websites with information on how to contact them, or you can call their offices to schedule a meeting or express your support for affordable housing policies.

Volunteering

Another way to get involved is to volunteer with organizations that provide affordable housing or related services. There are many organizations that work to provide affordable housing and support services to low-income individuals and families. These organizations often rely on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, from building homes to providing counseling and support services.

Volunteer Resources:

1. HomeAid - HomeAid is a national nonprofit organization that works to build and renovate housing facilities for those experiencing homelessness. They partner with local builders, contractors, and other organizations to provide shelter, job training, and other support services. They often rely on volunteers to help with tasks such as construction and fundraising efforts.
2. Habitat for Humanity - Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works to build and repair homes for people in need. They rely on volunteers to help with various tasks, such as construction, fundraising, and advocacy efforts.
3. Rebuilding Together - Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit organization that works to repair and renovate homes for low-income homeowners. They rely on volunteers to help with tasks such as home repairs, painting, and landscaping.
4. Local homeless shelters or housing organizations - There may be local homeless shelters or housing organizations in your community that rely on volunteers to help provide services to those in need. These organizations may provide support services, such as job training and counseling, in addition to housing assistance.
5. Local community development corporations (CDCs) - CDCs are nonprofit organizations that work to revitalize and improve communities, often by providing affordable housing and related services. They may rely on volunteers to help with various tasks, such as community outreach and organizing events.

Donating

You can also support affordable housing programs by donating to the above mentioned organizations that provide affordable housing services. Donations can help to support the construction of new affordable housing units, provide support services to individuals and families in need, and fund advocacy efforts to promote affordable housing policies.

Affordable housing programs are critical to ensuring that people have access to safe and affordable housing. These programs help to address issues like homelessness, promote economic stability, and prevent displacement. You can get involved and support affordable housing programs by advocating for affordable housing policies, volunteering with organizations that provide affordable housing services, and donating to organizations that support affordable housing efforts. By working together, we can help to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

By JWilliams Staffing