The Issue:
Affordable Housing

Finding an affordable place to live has become nearly impossible for many working families in our region. The cost of housing in our area is rising at a far greater rate than in the rest of the country. Between 2000 and 2005, Chicago's median monthly housing cost rose 22%, compared to just 5% nationally. A worker now needs to make at least $17.33/hour to afford the median-priced two bedroom apartment in our region. Yet minimum wage is just $7.50 an hour (as of July 1st, 2007).

The affordable housing shortage is due, in part, to dramatic reductions in the number of subsidized, public housing units. Since 1999, the Chicago Housing Authority has eliminated more than 11,000 affordable apartment units and is serving 30,000 fewer occupants.

Between 2000 and 2005, Chicago's median monthly housing cost rose 22%, compared to just 5% nationally.

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The ongoing gentrification of once low-cost housing areas, is forcing many working families to move elsewhere, particularly into the suburbs, to find affordable housing. Unfortunately, the job opportunities for working families in our region are not generally located near the pockets of affordable housing. This disparity has resulted in rising transportation costs for those who can least afford it. Currently, working families are spending an average of 20% of their household budgets on transportation.

Your United Way support provides: financial literacy training to help families determine what they can afford, how to create a budget and even what it takes to get a mortgage; assistance in locating and securing affordable housing; subsidized apartments for working families; home ownership programs to help families build long-term equity and stability; legal aid for people who are at risk of losing their homes.

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