Education
WHAT IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
The federal government recognized housing as “affordable” if it costs no more than 30% of the monthly household income for rent and utilities. Most affordable housing developments are built for families and individuals with incomes of 60% or less than the Area Median Income (AMI).
The price our community pays for high housing costs in our area is steep. It makes it harder for local school districts to recruit and retain teachers for our children, and the local fire department to hire firefighters. When the cost of housing consumes the majority of a household’s income, choices between one basic necessity and another can surface. It’s not uncommon for households to face choices between paying the rent and paying for food or even health care.
The bottom line is that everyone in our community deserves housing, and it’s imperative for the future health of our communities that we find a way forward to create housing for all.