Learning Activities

In the Twin Cities, nearly half of households with income under $35,000 are paying more than they can afford for housing.

The topic of affordable housing can be complex.  Below we have broken it down into five topics (Why, What, Where, How, Who).  Keep checking back as we develop interactive learning activities for these topics.

171,000 or 46% of the area’s low-income households pay more than they can afford for housing. (2006 Bureau of Census). The market does not produce enough housing that people of all income levels can afford, and this problem is growing as housing costs increase and wages remain stagnant.

Why?

Why do we care? Why is it important that everyone in our community has a decent affordable place to call home?

Decent affordable housing benefits all of us. It is a critical component of stable families and strong communities.

What?

What does the solution look like? What kinds of housing need to exist for everyone in our community to have a decent affordable place to call home?

A continuum of housing choices (ownership, rental, supportive housing and emergency shelters) are needed so people of all income levels can have the opportunity to obtain stable housing.

Where?

Where is affordable housing needed and what factors determine where it can be created?

Every community benefits from creating housing that its workforce can afford, but currently many barriers exist that keep many communities from reaching that goal.

How?

How do we make sure everyone has access to decent housing that is affordable?

Housing solutions happen when we work together –non-profits, government agencies, businesses, congregations and individual citizens all have a role to play.

Who?

Who can’t afford housing at current prices?

Many hard-working families who play vital roles in our communities can not afford the cost of decent housing. And the most vulnerable people in our communities (including people with chronic illness, disabilities, the elderly, and children) are the least likely to have access to safe decent housing.

 




  • What Can I do?  ( 5 items )

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    This wheel displays the idea that in order to create change around a social issue, people need to be working in a variety of ways on that issue. Use the wheel to think about the ways that you can help create a Twin Cities region where everyone has a decent, affordable place to live.

    You can’t do everything but you can do something. Look at the spokes on the wheel to learn about different ways to support housing and decide which are right for you.

    Use these questions as a starting point…

    What are your skills, passions, and resources? Which areas of this wheel do they lead you to?

    Is there something on this wheel that is new or different for you, or even outside of your comfort zone? Consider picking an activity in that area as a learning experience…

    Volunteer

    Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity or other Housing related organizations. Your time makes a difference.

    Educate

    Educate yourself and others about housing related issues. Share your knowledge with friends and family.

    Advocate

    Advocate for public policy that supports affordable housing. Every voice matters.

    Demonstrate

    Demonstrate publically, or in small personal ways, that you support affordable housing.

    Donate

    Donate financially to housing related organizations. Your gifts ensure stable housing for families in need.

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