Take action to ensure more of our neighbors have safe, affordable housing
Emma, a 25-year-old Coloma resident, graduate of Western Michigan University, and professional videographer, shares her story of seeking affordable housing and urges our Southwest Michigan community to advocate for solutions to this crisis so that everyone can afford the housing that every person deserves.
As we continue to look at what makes up a community, we’re exploring the very building blocks of our neighborhoods – our homes. Affordable, quality housing is an issue that affects people, organizations, employers, and quality of life here in Southwest Michigan. This month, we’re taking a closer look at how we can improve our neighborhoods by ensuring that all people, including ALICE households, can access quality, affordable housing.
While many agencies and leaders are working on solutions, the Local Planning Bodies (in coordination with the Balance of State Continuum of Care) are playing a crucial, but often unrecognized, role in addressing housing challenges. The Local Planning Bodies are working hard to ensure that more people, organizations, landlords, and leaders are collaborating on solutions to housing challenges. But they need more support.
United Way has a goal to increase access to quality, affordable housing. We asked a member of our community about this issue … Watch to see what happened.
“In our conversations with people all over Southwest Michigan, we learned that what people aspire to most for their communities is cohesiveness and connection. Everyone wants the same things – a safe place to stay and food on the table. Affordable, stable housing is a critical part of achieving this vision. ”
“A lot of people aren’t as fortunate as Emma. They don’t have family support or the option to live with their family. So many people are facing so many challenges with housing. If anything, it’s getting worse.”
How can we accomplish our goal?
Increase support and awareness for the Local Planning Bodies (in partnership and alignment with the Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care) within Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
Why this is important in Southwest Michigan?
• For a single adult with income below the ALICE threshold living in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, an affordable monthly rent plus utilities is $587. Affordable rent for a family with 2 adults and 2 children in childcare is $828. However, the median cost of rent in Berrien County is $724.
• Those who spend more than 30% of their household income on housings costs are considered to be cost-burdened. About 27% of households in Berrien County, 22% in Cass County, and 25% in Van Buren County are cost-burdened.
• People who rent their homes tend to spend a larger percentage of their income on their housing costs than those who own their home. People of Color have experienced lower homeownership rates for decades.
• In Southwest Michigan, more than 1,200 children experience homelessness OR don’t know where they’re going to sleep at night. Between 20% and 40% of all homeless youth identify as members of the LGBTQ community.
• While housing issues affect all people, some groups experience these challenges disproportionately. People of Color have experienced lower homeownership rates for decades. Between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as members of the LGBTQ community.
Take action by clicking HERE to tell your legislators that you support increased access to quality, affordable housing in Southwest Michigan.