Affordable Housing Perceptions Survey 2019

Perceptions of Affordable Housing Survey

Housing Affordability

Let´s chat. www.WorkWalkLive.com

A Survey Commissioned by:

Address 1827 First Avenue N Suite 100 Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Phone 888.466.5572

Online www.NavigateHousingConsulting.com brought to you by

Address

Phone

Online

1827 First Avenue N Suite 100 Birmingham, Alabama 35203

888.466.5572

www.NavigateHousingConsulting.com

2019

2

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Rethinking Housing Affordability

Navigate Affordable Housing

SInce 2000, Navigate has worked

Partners has long been committed

with the U.S. Department of

to developing and enhancing

Housing and Urban Development

“safe, decent, sanitary, and

providing Section 8 Contract Admi-

affordable housing.“ This has been

nistration Services to approxima-

our mission for almost 40 years.

tely 60,000 units of affordable

“Affordable Housing is housing that is affordable no matter their income.”

In February 2019, we put out a survey to see what people think about “affordable housing.” We received 234 responses to 31 questions.

Do people see “af-

fordable housing” as a negative term?

What fears to people have when “affordable housing“ is proposed where they live?

The answers are right here.

housing in the states of Alabama, We want to change the conversati-

Mississippi, Connecticut and Virgi-

on about what affordable housing

nia. Our work helps low and extre-

is and who benefits. There are

mely-low income families.

many variables affecting what is affordable: from where you live to

We now own two apartment com-

how much it costs to live there.

munities. Each provides units our residents can afford.

This is the impetus for Work Walk Live, a website dedicated to a new

We are also working in Community

conversation about workforce

Development, creating housing for

housing and thus, Housing

people who make too much for

affordability.

government assistance but too little to buy a home close to where

We like to say “Affordable Housing

they work.

is our middle name,“ and we believe “Affordable Housing is housing that is affordable no matter their income.“

Shorter Commutes | Urban, Walkable Neighborhoods | Better Quality of Life

3

2

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Rethinking Housing Affordability

Navigate Affordable Housing

SInce 2000, Navigate has worked

Partners has long been committed

with the U.S. Department of

to developing and enhancing

Housing and Urban Development

“safe, decent, sanitary, and

providing Section 8 Contract Admi-

affordable housing.“ This has been

nistration Services to approxima-

our mission for almost 40 years.

tely 60,000 units of affordable

“Affordable Housing is housing that is affordable no matter their income.”

In February 2019, we put out a survey to see what people think about “affordable housing.” We received 234 responses to 31 questions.

Do people see “af-

fordable housing” as a negative term?

What fears to people have when “affordable housing“ is proposed where they live?

The answers are right here.

housing in the states of Alabama, We want to change the conversati-

Mississippi, Connecticut and Virgi-

on about what affordable housing

nia. Our work helps low and extre-

is and who benefits. There are

mely-low income families.

many variables affecting what is affordable: from where you live to

We now own two apartment com-

how much it costs to live there.

munities. Each provides units our residents can afford.

This is the impetus for Work Walk Live, a website dedicated to a new

We are also working in Community

conversation about workforce

Development, creating housing for

housing and thus, Housing

people who make too much for

affordability.

government assistance but too little to buy a home close to where

We like to say “Affordable Housing

they work.

is our middle name,“ and we believe “Affordable Housing is housing that is affordable no matter their income.“

Shorter Commutes | Urban, Walkable Neighborhoods | Better Quality of Life

3

4

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

The Affordable Housing Shortage The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports a shortage of more than seven million affordable and available rental homes. That translates to about 37 affordable and available units for every 100 extremely low income renter households. Moderate income workers feel the pain, too.

Middle Class Affordability (BISNOW)

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

“Compared to previous generations, it is now more difficult to..”

Have a secure middle-class lifestyle

72% Save for retirement

“..market forces in most cities are making it nearly impos-

Find a stable and decent-paying job

Find healthcare insurance or coverage

77%

54%

Find stable housing that is affordable

Get an education beyond high school

sible to build new housing that the middle class can afford — and the gap between subsidized low-income housing and high-end apartments is wider than ever.”

Priced Out (USA TODAY)

5

67%

53%

“While the housing cost burden for low-income households is often offset through housing subsidies, there are few forces protecting middle-income households from the rising cost of real estate.”

The Forgotten Middle (Urbanland) “Luxury housing is being built at one end of the spectrum and subsidized housing is being built at the other end, and newly built middle-income housing is being missed.”

Eager for Affordability (NREI Online) “We are seeing more middle-class households that are eager for affordable housing,” says Swank of the Sterling Group. “By being creative, developers can find ways to build what the customers want.”

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

35%

4

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

The Affordable Housing Shortage The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports a shortage of more than seven million affordable and available rental homes. That translates to about 37 affordable and available units for every 100 extremely low income renter households. Moderate income workers feel the pain, too.

Middle Class Affordability (BISNOW)

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

“Compared to previous generations, it is now more difficult to..”

Have a secure middle-class lifestyle

72% Save for retirement

“..market forces in most cities are making it nearly impos-

Find a stable and decent-paying job

Find healthcare insurance or coverage

77%

54%

Find stable housing that is affordable

Get an education beyond high school

sible to build new housing that the middle class can afford — and the gap between subsidized low-income housing and high-end apartments is wider than ever.”

Priced Out (USA TODAY)

5

67%

53%

“While the housing cost burden for low-income households is often offset through housing subsidies, there are few forces protecting middle-income households from the rising cost of real estate.”

The Forgotten Middle (Urbanland) “Luxury housing is being built at one end of the spectrum and subsidized housing is being built at the other end, and newly built middle-income housing is being missed.”

Eager for Affordability (NREI Online) “We are seeing more middle-class households that are eager for affordable housing,” says Swank of the Sterling Group. “By being creative, developers can find ways to build what the customers want.”

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

35%

6

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

What‘s in a name?

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

7

WOULD YOU OPPOSE OR SUPPORT AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

“It is not surprising that people living in suburban neighborhoods are more likely to be suspicious of affordable housing.” (Jenna Lee Tighe, 2009) In her 2009 dissertation, Jenna Lee Tighe, Ph.D. examined “Public Perceptions of Affordable Housing: How Race and Class Stereotyping Influence Views.”

Tighe concluded neighborhood opposition “remains a major obstacle to successful implentation to federal, state and local housing policies.” She also found people associated “affordable housing with monorities” and this lead to “less support for affordable housing.”

Navigate‘s survey did not look at race, but it did look at how people today view “affordable housing.” A little over a quarter of those surveyed believe it is a negati-

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

We asked those who say they would opose an affordable housing development in the neighborhodd the following question: AGREE OR DISAGREE: AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A NEGATIVE TERM

IF A NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WAS COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE FOLLOWING? Top 5 Answers

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

6

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

What‘s in a name?

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

7

WOULD YOU OPPOSE OR SUPPORT AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

“It is not surprising that people living in suburban neighborhoods are more likely to be suspicious of affordable housing.” (Jenna Lee Tighe, 2009) In her 2009 dissertation, Jenna Lee Tighe, Ph.D. examined “Public Perceptions of Affordable Housing: How Race and Class Stereotyping Influence Views.”

Tighe concluded neighborhood opposition “remains a major obstacle to successful implentation to federal, state and local housing policies.” She also found people associated “affordable housing with monorities” and this lead to “less support for affordable housing.”

Navigate‘s survey did not look at race, but it did look at how people today view “affordable housing.” A little over a quarter of those surveyed believe it is a negati-

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

We asked those who say they would opose an affordable housing development in the neighborhodd the following question: AGREE OR DISAGREE: AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A NEGATIVE TERM

IF A NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WAS COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE FOLLOWING? Top 5 Answers

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

8

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Hitting Close to Home Seventy-five percent say people not being able to find housing they can afford is a huge problem in the United States. Here‘s what they told us about where they live.

I live in Orange County, CA, one of the least affordable areas in the US. Even with a job that pays over 62 k per year, I can't afford a $1800/month 1 bedroom apartment for a decent apartment and support my spouse and 1 year old.

I live in the Bay Area, which has always been expensive but now people who work in big tech are buying all the affordable housing and turning it into airbnb properties.

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

developers are misusing the 40B regulation in MA. They are making new rich housing at max density using the affordable 40B permitting where the towns can do nothing and the affordable units are only 1/4 of project and not really affordable just under market price.

Since the casino's and hurricane Katrina it has caused homes to sky rocket and no 1 poor like myself can even afford a mobile home these days

The cost of living in Northern California meaning Santa Clara County it truly expensive doesn't match with the amount made hourly by the people who live here

The cost of housing here is difficult to manage on a good salary. Low income earners have no choice but to share housing or move outside of Orange County and commute.

Idaho as a whole and the Treasure Valley, in particular, are going through growth that is rated as #3 in the nation, and housing for all classes is not keeping up with the demand.

I live in NYC. Housing prices are out of control

Median income is low and housing cost are high compared to other cities in Texas.

9

8

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Hitting Close to Home Seventy-five percent say people not being able to find housing they can afford is a huge problem in the United States. Here‘s what they told us about where they live.

I live in Orange County, CA, one of the least affordable areas in the US. Even with a job that pays over 62 k per year, I can't afford a $1800/month 1 bedroom apartment for a decent apartment and support my spouse and 1 year old.

I live in the Bay Area, which has always been expensive but now people who work in big tech are buying all the affordable housing and turning it into airbnb properties.

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

developers are misusing the 40B regulation in MA. They are making new rich housing at max density using the affordable 40B permitting where the towns can do nothing and the affordable units are only 1/4 of project and not really affordable just under market price.

Since the casino's and hurricane Katrina it has caused homes to sky rocket and no 1 poor like myself can even afford a mobile home these days

The cost of living in Northern California meaning Santa Clara County it truly expensive doesn't match with the amount made hourly by the people who live here

The cost of housing here is difficult to manage on a good salary. Low income earners have no choice but to share housing or move outside of Orange County and commute.

Idaho as a whole and the Treasure Valley, in particular, are going through growth that is rated as #3 in the nation, and housing for all classes is not keeping up with the demand.

I live in NYC. Housing prices are out of control

Median income is low and housing cost are high compared to other cities in Texas.

9

10

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions by the Numbers

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

11

“The negative perception of the risk associated with affordable housing is powerful even if negated by research. This is apparent in surveys indicating that there is general support for affordable housing but as housng policies become more contrete, people perceive greater risk than in that then more value-laden statements about the need for affordable housing”

Navigate‘s Affordable Housing Perception Survey put several statements before the respondents. These statements are based on the negative perceptions commonly associated with Affordable Housing.

- UNC School of Government

1

60 50 40 30

19%

26% 25%

Strongly Agree

22%

Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

8%

20 10 0

2

3

“Affordable Housing attracts undesirables.”

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

“Affordable Housing increases crime.”

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Strongly Agree

31% 18%

31% 12%

8%

4

“Affordable Housing is ugly.”

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Neutral

60 40 20

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Agree Neutral

12%

Disagree

5%

Strongly Disagree

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

100 80

Strongly Disagree

35% 31%

“Affordable Housing is for lazy people.”

Agree Disagree

18%

Strongly Agree

0

Strongly Agree Agree

38% 35%

Neutral Disagree

17%

5%

5%

Strongly Disagree

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

10

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions by the Numbers

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

11

“The negative perception of the risk associated with affordable housing is powerful even if negated by research. This is apparent in surveys indicating that there is general support for affordable housing but as housng policies become more contrete, people perceive greater risk than in that then more value-laden statements about the need for affordable housing”

Navigate‘s Affordable Housing Perception Survey put several statements before the respondents. These statements are based on the negative perceptions commonly associated with Affordable Housing.

- UNC School of Government

1

60 50 40 30

19%

26% 25%

Strongly Agree

22%

Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

8%

20 10 0

2

3

“Affordable Housing attracts undesirables.”

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

“Affordable Housing increases crime.”

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Strongly Agree

31% 18%

31% 12%

8%

4

“Affordable Housing is ugly.”

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Neutral

60 40 20

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Agree Neutral

12%

Disagree

5%

Strongly Disagree

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

100 80

Strongly Disagree

35% 31%

“Affordable Housing is for lazy people.”

Agree Disagree

18%

Strongly Agree

0

Strongly Agree Agree

38% 35%

Neutral Disagree

17%

5%

5%

Strongly Disagree

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

12

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Who should benefit from Affordable Housing?

brought to you by

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate believes Affordable Housing is housing that is affordable for anyone no matter their income.

Fifty-three percent of respondents agree.

It is true some believe Affordable Housing is for low-income and extremely-low-income families, but our

research shows, some people who are middle (and even high) income earners have a hard time finding adequate and affordable housing depending on where they live.

Select Survey Demographics 51% Female, 49% Male 39% are aged 45-60 27.42% say they can afford a home valued at $150,000 or less 36% can afford to pay $800 or less per month for housing 59% own their home

As a result, 44% of our respondents disagree with the statement “Affordable Housing is for low and extremely low income households.�

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

13

12

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Who should benefit from Affordable Housing?

brought to you by

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate believes Affordable Housing is housing that is affordable for anyone no matter their income.

Fifty-three percent of respondents agree.

It is true some believe Affordable Housing is for low-income and extremely-low-income families, but our

research shows, some people who are middle (and even high) income earners have a hard time finding adequate and affordable housing depending on where they live.

Select Survey Demographics 51% Female, 49% Male 39% are aged 45-60 27.42% say they can afford a home valued at $150,000 or less 36% can afford to pay $800 or less per month for housing 59% own their home

As a result, 44% of our respondents disagree with the statement “Affordable Housing is for low and extremely low income households.�

Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

13

14

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

What are the solutions?

We presented respondents with several options and then asked them to leave their own comments about how we as a nation can tackle Housing Affordability.

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

15

Your Ideas People responding to the survey have a number of ideas on how we can support Home Affordability.

“What do you think is needed to support affordable housing?�

80

Other (please specify)

70 60 50 40 30 20

1

2

3

Private & Nonprofit

Finance Changes

Education

Let private enterprise

For lower middle-class

Teach fiscal responsibi-

and conventional

families, I think tax

lity. The difference

charities work on it. Get

rebates and savings

between wants a

and keep the govern-

plans for help and

different needs.

ment out of it.

maintenance would

Public/Private Partnership Education on Housing Options Create a Tiny House Community Promote Mixed-Use Development Build new, more housing

make housing more

10 Buy and renovate old homes for resale to people meeting income criteria

Bring tax increment

4 Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

0

attractive.

New Design

5

6

Income Changes

Policy Changes

financing

Give owenership to

Wages need to be

Make housing a basic

individuals give them

higher

right.

something to be proud of and use cheap resources like shipping containers to help mitigate the cost, while also forming partnerships with companies to help

Jobs! Living wages!!

14

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

What are the solutions?

We presented respondents with several options and then asked them to leave their own comments about how we as a nation can tackle Housing Affordability.

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Perceptions of Affordable Housing 2019

15

Your Ideas People responding to the survey have a number of ideas on how we can support Home Affordability.

“What do you think is needed to support affordable housing?�

80

Other (please specify)

70 60 50 40 30 20

1

2

3

Private & Nonprofit

Finance Changes

Education

Let private enterprise

For lower middle-class

Teach fiscal responsibi-

and conventional

families, I think tax

lity. The difference

charities work on it. Get

rebates and savings

between wants a

and keep the govern-

plans for help and

different needs.

ment out of it.

maintenance would

Public/Private Partnership Education on Housing Options Create a Tiny House Community Promote Mixed-Use Development Build new, more housing

make housing more

10 Buy and renovate old homes for resale to people meeting income criteria

Bring tax increment

4 Source: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

0

attractive.

New Design

5

6

Income Changes

Policy Changes

financing

Give owenership to

Wages need to be

Make housing a basic

individuals give them

higher

right.

something to be proud of and use cheap resources like shipping containers to help mitigate the cost, while also forming partnerships with companies to help

Jobs! Living wages!!

Perceptions of Affordable Housing Survey

Housing Affordability

Let´s chat. www.WorkWalkLive.com

A Survey Commissioned by:

Address 1827 First Avenue N Suite 100 Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Phone 888.466.5572

Online www.NavigateHousingConsulting.com brought to you by

Address

Phone

Online

1827 First Avenue N Suite 100 Birmingham, Alabama 35203

888.466.5572

www.NavigateHousingConsulting.com

2019