The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recommends that families spend no more than 30% of their income on housing. Census data from 2000, however, showed that nearly 60% of households in our service area pay 35-60% or more of their household income on rent (up to 45% of households in this area have annual incomes below the poverty level). It is difficult, if not impossible, for these families to maintain financial stability or save assets under these conditions.
Economic conditions like this harm not only children and families, which suffer from increased levels of transience and loss of social supports, but neighborhoods and the surrounding communities as well. When families and children are not stable, the entire social and economic health of the neighborhood suffers.
Stabilizing Families, Stabilizing Neighborhoods
HOST reduces transience, helps stabilize families, and strengthens neighborhoods by acquiring and renovating neglected properties in our service area. After renovations are complete, the properties are rented to responsible residents at affordable rates. HOST addresses the need for quality housing for working families and individuals in transition, and a viable path toward home ownership.
In addition to the opportunity to have housing that allows them to build financial resources, families receive support, opportunities for leadership development and civic engagement, and wraparound services. All of our tenants are offered support groups, life skills training, financial literacy, employment search support, and volunteer opportunities.
There are currently six houses, an apartment building with 13 residential units and a commercial laundry facility, and a mixed-use apartment building with six resident units and two commercial storefronts in the program. All of the buildings are in close proximity to our centers, so the people who live in them have easy access to our other programs and services.
