The term “affordable housing” gets thrown around a lot – even more as housing costs rise in Cleveland. It bubbles up in discussions about programs meant to help residents keep a roof over their head and about how the government might help pay for building homes people can afford.
What is “affordable housing,” anyway? We asked the experts: You.
Through Cleveland Documenters’ community interviews and surveys, we heard from more than 200 people.
One thing we learned? When people say “affordable housing,” they aren’t all talking about the same thing.
Across the board, residents were worried about the increasing costs of housing in Cleveland, from application fees and hefty utilities payments to out-of-town landlords and unreachable property managers.
We heard from residents who were most concerned with their home being in a safe neighborhood. And others focused on frustrations with government programs that subsidize rent. Lots of folks turned to what they felt was a tried and true method – that people should devote about a third of what they earn to their housing.
Here’s what residents said about affordable housing
Housing for low income and working families that is no more than 30% of take home pay or income. That includes rent, deposits, utilities and parking. However, cost is not the only factor since it also needs to be in good repair and no issues like lead and mold.“
Philip Star, Cleveland
Some people thought that paying 30% of your income toward rent wasn’t “affordable.” That includes Cleveland Documenter Alfreda Williams, of the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood.
Another theme in the interviews and surveys was that housing shouldn’t just be affordable, it should also be safe.
We don’t need to all live in mansions, but no one should live under a decaying roof, or with a broken heater, or in dangerous conditions like black mold. Affordable housing isn’t just about the raw numbers, it should be a place that is safe and secure enough to raise a family.”
Cleveland Documenter Timothy Zelina, Ohio City
Shelter for me and my child while still being able to afford to clothe and feed us, put gas in the vehicle, keep a place warm.”
Tamie A. Harrison, Parma
Some people said affordable housing means it’s government-sponsored. We also heard from residents who described their experiences – and frustration – with those programs.
When I hear the term ‘affordable housing,’ I automatically think of government housing entities, such as the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). I have never contemplated what the term means. Affordable to who?”
Cleveland Documenter Ronaldo Rodriguez Jr., Tremont
For Paulette Brown, of Bedford, “affordable” made her think of housing subsidized by the government.
Christine Roland, Cleveland
It initially gave me hope … after 3 years of applying and filling out forms for housing vouchers, HUD, seniors with disabilities. … No response, no relief, just frustration and disappointment.”
A few residents said that affordable housing is disappearing or already gone.
It’s a unicorn that doesn’t exist. But it’s about as affordable as it gets in Cleveland.”
Victoria Pickett, Garfield Heights
Pickett is just one of many people who wrote about affordable housing as nonexistent – a dream more than a reality.
Signal Cleveland is digging into affordable housing with: The Housing Squeeze.
Stories in the series examine Cleveland’s affordable housing landscape through the experiences of renters and homeowners and with an eye toward solutions.