Why Housing Matters

Challenges

A US survey by The Mac Arthur Foundation’s How Housing Matters initiative reveals that the concerns and challenges related to affordable, quality housing are very real for many Americans.

Tradeoffs

More than half of all adults have made at least one tradeoff in the past three years to cover their rent or mortgage. Tradeoffs include taking second jobs, cutting back on health care and food, and moving to less safe neighborhoods.

Unaffordable

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.

Freedom

Adequate shelter is a critical foundation to achieve the strength, stability, and independence to build a better future.  Housing can play a key role in positively influencing a family’s education, employment, and health opportunities.

Community

Decent shelter contributes to thriving school systems, community organizations and civic activism.

Stability

Safe homes and neighborhoods help to build social stability and security.

Good for all

Adequate housing is key to the health of the world’s economies, communities, and populations.

Development

Good housing attracts economic investment and development.

Resources

Home ownership provide resources and wealth accumulation through equity and forced savings from mortgage repayment.

Limits

In Door County, a family of two adults and two children would need to make $66,216 to achieve a basic survival budget and would have a hard time finding affordable quality housing. Thirty one percent of Door County household incomes are below this income level.

More on Door County Challenges...