Affordable Housing Facts & Myths

What many people do not realize is the addition of high-quality, affordable housing brings numerous benefits to communities. Despite these many benefits, there are common myths and misconceptions that can make local communities unsure about supporting affordable housing in their neighborhood.

✅ Fact

“Section 8” refers to a program that subsidizes housing costs, not a particular type of development. Although some of our residents are part of the Section 8 program, we screen all of our applicants with employment, background, and credit checks–in fact, far more carefully than most market-rate housing.

✅ Fact

Repeated research has shown that affordable housing has no adverse effects on the neighborhood’s real estate market. Affordable housing brings new investments into the community.

✅ Fact

Builders are required to the same standards as market-rate projects. The housing is affordable through the support of public and private funds, not because of shoddy design or low-quality construction.

✅ Fact

The opposite is true. Affordable housing provides a net plus on tax rolls. It replaces or improves substandard constructions while freeing families from the cycle of constantly moving. Municipalities stand to gain from affordable housing. Meanwhile, residents have stable employment and can pay their part – reducing rates for other taxpayers.

✅ Fact

Families must meet stringent criteria in order to be eligible for affordable housing subsidies, meaning only the neediest are granted them. Affordable housing also brings countless advantages to the municipality by replacing run-down properties, making stable employment and taxpaying possible, enhancing education, and more.

✅ Fact

Many people assume that affordable housing only benefits the poor and unemployed. You’d be surprised by the people who are impacted by a lack of affordable housing, however.

These include:

• Employers
• Seniors
• Immigrants
• Entry-level workers
• Firefighters
• Police officers
• Military personnel
• Teachers