Friday Facts and Stats: Affordable Housing Infographics

They say a picture paints a thousand words.  Pair a picture with some written statistics you have an infographic.  I first fell in love with them during grad school and the obsession has taken off from there.  Unfortunately, the graphics are a little small after I have copied and pasted them here so I included the original links for your viewing pleasure. 

The first two come from Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation.

North Carolina Housing Coalition

Friday Facts and Stats: Habitat Myths and Facts

• Myth: Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to poor people. 
• Fact: Habitat for Humanity offers home ownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 50 percent of the area’s median income. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a $500 down payment. Additionally, they contribute 300 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.      

• Myth: Habitat houses reduce a neighborhood’s property values. Fact: Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.  Myth: Only African Americans get Habitat for Humanity homes. 
• Fact: Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need regardless of race, religion or any other difference. Prospective homeowners must meet three criteria: need; ability to repay the mortgage; and a willingness to partner with Habitat.  

• Myth: Habitat homeowners are on welfare. Fact: While some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children, many more are working people. Typically their annual income is less than half the local median income in their community.  Myth: You have to be Christian to become a Habitat homeowner. 
• Fact: Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.  

• Myth: Habitat for Humanity International dictates policy and practices for every local Habitat organization. 
• Fact: Local Habitat affiliates are independent, nonprofit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant.  

• Myth: Habitat for Humanity is an arm of the government. 
• Fact:  Habitat for Humanity is not an arm of the government.  Habitat is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts some government funds and other resources to help provide houses for those in need. We accept these funds as long as they do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Additionally, our local affiliates insert specific guidelines as needed to avoid becoming dependent on or controlled by government funds.  

• Myth: Habitat for Humanity was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. 
• Fact: Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Ga., by the late Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Ga.), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.

This page was straight up copied and pasted from Habitat for Humanity's website and of course sprinkled with some SUS '12 photos.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Who wouldn't love to get one of these bike related Valentine's Day cards?

(wink wink nod nod)

Friday Facts and Stats: Show Me the Money!!!

Okay so last week we covered some of the most basic definitions of affordable housing (scroll down if you missed them) and this week I figured I would break down some figures.  First you should keep in mind that in no state can a minimum wage worker afford a two bedroom house/apartment at Fair Market Rent (FMR) by working 40 hours a week without paying more than 30% of their income.

The average hourly rate in the United States is $14.32 and in order to live in affordable housing a person, on average, would need to earn $18.79.  

I hope the below chart is self explanatory and not too small to read.  I decided to highlight five different states: Maryland because I live there, Oregon and Washington because we will be biking through them, Hawaii because it is the most expensive state and North Dakota because it is the least expensive.  

Want to see how your state stacks up?  

Check out the rest of the National Low Income Housing Coalition Out of Reach report. 

Friday Facts and Stats: Affordable Housing Definitions

While some of you may be familiar with the affordable housing crisis, it may be a completely new concept for others.  Not to worry, that is the purpose of Friday Facts and Stats.  This week I figured it would be helpful to start with some definitions so we can all be on the same page.

Common affordable housing terms:

• Area median income (AMI): determines income eligibility for affordable housing programs; a number set according to family size and geography
• Affordability: no more than 30% gross household income is spent on gross housing costs
• Cost burdened: those paying > 30% of income on housing
• Severely cost burdened: those paying > 50% of income on housing
• Housing wage: the estimated full time hourly wage a household must earn to afford a decent rental unit at HUD fair market rent; rent should be no more than 30% of a person's income
• Full time work: 2085 hours a year or 40 hours a week for 52 weeks
• Fair market rent: 40% of gross rents for a typical, non-substandard rental determined annually by HUD; price reflects cost of shelter and utilities; FMR determines payment standards for housing choice voucher program and Section 8 contracts
• Renter wage: estimated hourly wage among renters by region

In 2013 the extremely low income is defined as having an income no greater than $19,8100; this was down from $20,210 in 2012.  At this rate, the fair market rent for a two bedroom apartment is $977/month and a one bedroom is $783/month.  

This all might seem a little vague, so come back next week and I will break down all the numbers for you!  Until then consider donating to my ride ... every little bit helps!