Virtually nowhere in the U.S. can a full-time minimum wage employee afford a one-bedroom apartment. Even two such jobs won't rent a two-bedroom apartment in 29 states and the District of Columbia." |
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The Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition started in 2013 as a grassroots effort to increase access to affordable housing for lower-income people in Johnson County. Through research and education, the non-profit continues to bring awareness to the issues surrounding housing, especially in our community. We encourage you to visit the JCAHC website where you can access reports and data as well as information on how you can get involved in their efforts to make affordable housing more accessible.
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When parents aren't overly burdened by housing woes, they have more emotional and financial resources to devote to their children and their community. Children develop better and go on to become more productive citizens." |
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Homeownership leads to:
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Increases in
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Decreases in
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A better home
Household Stability
Permanent housing removes the burdens of frequent moves and overcrowding and lessens the threat of eviction or foreclosure. It also provides people a place to live and to spend time together, creating less stress and depression, and fostering an environment of hope.
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Health
Having affordable shelter provides people with more savings to invest in better transportation, healthier food, and healthcare. A decent roof overhead establishes home as a place that protects one's physical health and promotes strong mental health.
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Education
An affordable mortgage or small loan means Habitat homeowners have a chance to create savings and invest in their education. Children of homeowners are 25% more likely to graduate from high school and 116% more likely to graduate from college compared with families who do not own their homes, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies.
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A better community
Economic Growth
Cost-benefit analysis indicates that the 220 Habitat homeowners in Minnesota could be using anywhere from $6 million to $9 million less in government assistance annually. Additionally, construction of Habitat homes generates jobs for local workers and suppliers, and taxes for local governments.
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Neighborhood Quality
Habitat homes are extremely well-constructed and homeowners receive home maintenance education to ensure preservation. Often, in neighborhoods where multiple Habitat homes are built, an environment of stability, friendliness, and inclusivity is established.
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Environment
Habitat is committed to environmental stewardship, so we build energy-efficient homes and reduce waste by selling used housing materials in ReStore. Additionally, we make efforts to build housing near public transportation and thriving job centers to diminish air pollution and congestion.
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Sources
- Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition-http://www.jcaffordablehousing.org
- Taz George, 2016 Affordability in Johnson County: Lessons Learned from Peer Cities
- https://www.habitat.org/stories/7-things-you-should-know-about-poverty-and-housing
- http://www.habitatbuilds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Benefits-of-Homeownership-Research-Summary.pdf
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/03/24/minimum-wage-rent-affordable-housing/6817639/
- https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp.html
Volunteer
Every volunteer makes a difference. Whether you are an experienced carpenter or a novice, you are welcome. |
Donate
Every donation provides an opportunity to build a stronger, more stable, self-reliant future. |
ReStore
Every customer, donor and volunteer helps us build. Income from the ReStore supports our affordable housing efforts. |
