Why Affordable Housing?

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, over 18 million U.S. households (1 in 6) were paying 50% or more of their income on housing, forgoing personal and economic stability that safe, decent and affordable housing provides. Now, as a result of COVID-19, low-income households are particularly at risk, given their concentration in at-risk jobs. Twelve million households have at least one contributing member working in an at-risk industry.

It is clear that homeownership matters and not having access to this takes a toll on the health and wellness of families. Cost-burdened households with children spend on average $190 less on food and 70 percent less on health care when compared with similar households living in affordable homes.