By Mario Brown
Affordable housing is not merely a matter of providing shelter; it's the cornerstone of building resilient and thriving communities.
When individuals and families have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing, it creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond just a place to live. It fosters economic stability, promotes health and well-being, enhances social cohesion, and cultivates a sense of belonging. In essence, affordable housing is the bedrock upon which stronger communities are built.
A large part of Greenville’s community history was built on the bedrock of affordable housing. The mill villages were more than just houses that gave people shelter. They were the communities that turned Greenville from a small town into a city. The mill villages helped give Greenville its identity as the Textile Capital of the World.
And it was built on affordable housing.
Affordable housing is one of the most used buzz phrases in economic development local, regionally and nationally right now. A lot of people now understand the need for affordable housing, but a myriad of factors are holding it back, which escalates the problems.
Why does it matter? Consider these stats.
In South Carolina, the average yearly base salary for a police officer is $59,200, about $5,600 more than that of a schoolteacher and roughly $17,500 more than a firefighter’s earnings, according to Indeed and Salary.com, as of last June. NerdWallet suggests monthly rent shouldn’t exceed 30% of gross annual income. Median rent for all property types in Greenville runs $1,810 per month, according to Zillow. For firefighters earning $41,669, that lease rate eats more than 50% of their income.
We’re talking about people who would struggle with shelter costing 25% to 30% to 40% of their monthly or yearly. The byproduct of it is, in my mind, a workforce that is engaged, motivated and wants to make an impact.
But it goes beyond even that.
One of the most significant benefits of affordable housing is its role in fostering economic stability. Housing costs are one of the most significant expenses for households, often consuming a substantial portion of their income. When housing is affordable, individuals and families have more financial resources to allocate towards other essential needs such as education, healthcare, and food. This increased disposable income stimulates local economies, as people have more purchasing power to support businesses and services in their communities. Moreover, affordable housing attracts a diverse workforce, essential for the vitality and growth of local industries.
In addition, affordable housing is directly linked to better health outcomes and overall well-being. When individuals are not burdened by the stress of unaffordable housing costs or the fear of eviction, they are better able to focus on maintaining their health and addressing other social determinants of well-being. Access to safe and stable housing reduces the risk of homelessness, which is often associated with adverse health outcomes and increased utilization of costly emergency services. Additionally, stable housing provides a sense of security and belonging, contributing to improved mental health and social connectedness within communities.
Affordable housing also plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and inclusivity. Diverse and inclusive communities are enriched by the contributions of people from various backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. When affordable housing options are available across different neighborhoods, it promotes socioeconomic diversity and reduces the risk of segregation and gentrification. This diversity strengthens social networks; encourages intergenerational connections; and fosters a sense of solidarity among community members.
Investing in affordable housing is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in the future vitality and resilience of communities. By prioritizing policies and initiatives that increase access to affordable housing, we can create more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Affordable housing is a fundamental building block of stronger communities. It serves as a catalyst for economic stability, promotes health and well-being, fosters social cohesion, and expands opportunities for individuals and families.
Greenville is taking the right steps toward creating more affordable housing, but it’s still a long uphill run ahead of us to make real change.
Mario Brown is a Co-Founder and Principal of Affordable Upstate. He and his business partner Brian Albers were named the Leadership Greenville Alumni of the Year in 2024. Learn more at www.affordableupstate.com.
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