Affordable housing is many things, but mostly, it’s misunderstood and stigmatized.
Here are some of the most common misunderstandings, stigmas and myths: 
- More crime will result due to affordable housing.
- Neighborhoods will change in a negative way.
- The housing will be poorly built and maintained and lower surrounding property values.
- Traffic and parking will be negatively impacted.
- Affordable housing will negatively impact schools.
- Affordable housing isn’t fair and only benefits those who are at the poverty level.
The facts: through extensive studies, evidence and observations, these stigmas are not true.
Here are some of the facts:
- There is no evidence that affordable housing increases crime. In fact, it can do the opposite because it creates neighborhood connectiveness and economic stability.
- Extensive research has shown that affordable housing does not have negative impacts on sales or property values surrounding them.
- Affordable housing must be compliant with building restrictions and market-rate housing. Sometimes, it needs to comply with additional restrictions and even higher standards than market-rate housing due to their funding and the funding requirements.
- Because affordable housing offers the opportunities of living closer to where people work, traffic is less impacted. Additionally, those in affordable housing utilize more public transportation and own fewer cars, so parking will be less impacted in neighborhoods.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, rental apartments have less children. For those children who do live in affordable housing, their schooling is more stabilized since they are able to stay in one place and move less. In conclusion, schools are not burdened with additional children nor do test scores and other elements receive negative impacts.
- Affordable housing benefits many people and families, not just those who are very poor. It addresses the needs of the business community and working and middle class families alike.
Sources: impactforequity.org; courbanize.com; theconversation.com
Together, we can break stigma, while building lives and communities.
We cordially invite you to peruse this blog and our website to learn more and to see how you can help.
We would love to have you are part of our efforts creating win-win solutions for individuals, families and communities!
