Cross-Sector Legislative Fact Sheets

Safe, affordable housing enables low-income people to climb up the income ladder and achieve the American Dream. Affordable housing frees up more family income for other necessities, such as nutritious food, transportation, health care, and savings. Affordable housing enables moving to opportunity which improves long-term life outcomes.

Without a sufficient supply of affordable housing, employers — and regional economies — can be at a competitive disadvantage because of the resulting difficulty attracting and retaining workers.

Housing investments produce economic stimulus and job creation. Production of affordable housing increases employment (direct jobs in construction and supply and indirect jobs fueled by discretionary spending); increases revenue for local government (permits, fees, property taxes, sales tax); and increases consumer spending in the area once the homes are occupied (retail, grocery, etc.). According to the National Association of Home Builders, building 100 affordable rental homes generates $11.7 million in local income, $2.2 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments, and 161 local jobs in the first year alone.

Available, affordable housing that fits a range of household types and lifestyles is essential to attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse, productive workforce. Access to stable, affordable housing is particularly important for low-wage workers, who typically have inflexible work schedules and leave options.

High housing costs can prevent workers from living near their jobs and can put a strain on the local economy by slowing employment growth. Housing costs affect where employers can locate their companies. Available and affordable housing allows employers to attract and retain diverse employees at all levels. Access to affordable and stable housing can make workers more productive and affordable housing options have been proven to improve job access.

Teachers know that children learn better and are more likely to graduate when they live in a stable, affordable home. Affordable housing options located in economically diverse neighborhoods can lead to economically diverse schools which consistently drive strong student outcomes for all children.

Stable, affordable housing drives stronger student outcomes. Outof-school factors greatly influence academic outcomes. After all, children spend more time in and around their home than they do in school. Children from low-income households who switch schools frequently due to housing instability or homelessness tend to perform at lower levels in school, have learning disabilities and behavioral problems, and are less likely to graduate from high school.

A quality affordable home is a prescription for good health. It has been linked to prevention of long-term health problems and promotes healthy, productive lives. Children’s Healthwatch estimates $111 billion in avoidable health costs over ten years because of housing instability.

But when a family’s housing situation is unaffordable and unstable, chances to lead a healthy life dwindle rapidly. Good housing is good health. We all want a good, affordable home in a strong neighborhood. Unaffordable and unstable housing causes and perpetuates health disparities while also ballooning healthcare costs.