Why Habitat is Needed in Chicagoland
In Illinois, 1 IN 7 HOUSEHOLDS spend half or more of their income on housing.
Because of increased housing costs and growing income inequality, nearly one-third of households in the United States face cost burdens – paying either at least 30 percent of their income for housing (cost-burdened) or at least half of their income on housing (severely cost-burdened). These burdens leave nearly 38 million households with little income to afford the cost of food, health care and other basic necessities. With more than 18 million severely cost-burdened households in the U.S., the importance of advocating for home affordability for homeowners and renters cannot be overstated.
Housing in the Chicagoland area must become a priority
- The percentage of people in the Chicagoland area without access to decent, stable housing is rising.
- Increasing and rehabbing the housing supply across Chicagoland is essential.
- Adequate housing is vitally important to the health of the region’s economies, communities and populations.
- If we are to succeed in the fight against poverty, we must support the expansion of housing both as policy and as practice.
Decent, stable housing is more than a roof overhead
- Decent affordable housing provides stability for families and children.
- Owning a home provides a family with a sense of dignity and pride.
- Homeowners enjoy better health, physical safety, and security.
- Families in homes tend to have increased educational and job prospects.
Good housing contributes greatly to thriving communities
- Housing is a catalyst for civic involvement and a stimulus for community-based organizations.
- Safe homes and neighborhoods help to build social stability and security.
To find out more on housing affordability visit the Habitat for Humanity International website.