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Need For Affordable Housing
Is there a need for Habitat for Humanity in DuPage County? YES.
Despite being the 19th wealthiest county in the nation, DuPage County has
an alarming shortage of affordable housing. The median home price is
simply out of the realm of possibility for limited-income, working families.
Yet studies show that homeownership plays a significant role in the social
and financial stability of our communities.
FACT: Working families are being priced out of homeownership in
DuPage.
Because of high land costs and changes in demographics it is now very
difficult for limited-income DuPage County workers - even families with
two wage earners - to become homeowners. The median income in DuPage County
is around $70,000 annually while the median home cost is over $350,000.
This disparity between income and housing costs has resulted in many local
families having to make the difficult choice between crowding into inadequate
housing or paying too much of their income for housing.
FACT: The home situation has an important impact on kids.
Children who move often and do not have a stable living environment score
lower academically in math and reading, and suffer from higher rates of
emotional and behavioral problems. Children of homeowners are 25% more
likely to graduate from high school and 116% more likely to graduate from
college.
FACT: Affordable housing is important for healthy communities.
Healthy communities offer housing for families at all income levels -
including teachers, health care workers, truck drivers and service sector
employees. Without diverse housing options, workers are forced to live far
from their jobs, resulting in higher tardiness levels, and increased traffic
on the highways. In addition, studies show that homeowners are 28% more
likely than renters to maintain their homes and 10% more likely to
participate in community problem solving. Additionally, according to the
U.S. Census, homeowners stay in one place for an average of 12 years, as
opposed to 3 years for renters. Together, these statistics illustrate the
positive impact which homeownership has on the community as a whole.
FACT: DuPage Habitat is part of our community's affordable housing
solution.
DuPage Habitat has helped over 35 working families become homeowners.
In addition to our homebuilding efforts, DuPage Habitat educates the
community with facts about affordable housing.
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