A large majority of Americans are concerned about the lack of affordable housing in their communities and throughout the country, according to a new survey by NeighborWorks America.
About 74% of the respondents report being very or somewhat concerned about the dearth of affordable housing in their community, while 80% is concerned about the issue nationally.
However, only about 1 in 4, 26%, feel their voice is being heard on the issue, and just 34% say there is strong leadership in their community speaking for affordable housing.
“At a time when affordable housing is not just a policy challenge but a moral imperative, it is critical that community leaders and residents unite with a resounding, collective voice in support for affordable housing,” said Marietta Rodriguez, president and CEO of NeighborWorks America. “Residents particularly play a pivotal role in being heard because of their intimate understanding of the housing needs in their neighborhoods. Too often residents are not invited to weigh in on decisions, and that results in missed opportunities to position them as key problem solvers.”
In addition, about 48% of Americans have a positive outlook on the prospects of increasing affordable housing, while 37% have a negative outlook and 15% don’t know or have an opinion.This poll was conducted between Oct. 6 and 8 among a sample of 2,209 adults.
NeighborWorks is a network of nearly 250 nonprofits in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The organization offers grant funding, peer exchange, technical assistance, evaluation tools, and access to training as the nation's leading trainer of housing and community development professionals.
