For more than 40 years, Massachusetts’ signature affordable housing policy-Massachusetts “40B”-has served as a model for how states can motivate and sometimes bully reluctant localities into meeting their fair share of affordable housing. The state has led the way in ensuring housing is built for households of all income levels… By Matt Levin...
A new Urban Land Institute (ULI) report, Yes in My Backyard, shows how state and local governments can create more of the housing options communities increasingly need through smarter local land use policies and incentives. By Rosie Hepner...
(Video and text) A modest four-bedroom home in a quiet neighborhood recently sold in seven days for $2,470,000–$782,000 over the list price. Nearby, a 1,400 square foot, three-bedroom sold for over $1.8 million. By Len Ramirez...
Not only have home prices in Bakersfield not fully recovered from the national crisis, Bakersfield is the second-least recovered metro area on a list of 100 major metro areas across the nation… By Steven Maye...
NHC’s annual release of Paycheck to Paycheck provides insights into the ability of working households to afford typical housing in metropolitan areas across the country.
The morning our Orange County Habitat for Humanity team arrived to go to work in Nanyuki, Kenya, dancers met us as we entered the site where we would work for the next 5 days. Their joyful songs and big smiles assured us we were in a place where we would have a completely new and delightful experience. The orientation meeting held the day before in Nairobi prepared us for the work we would do and for interactions with our new friends helping us with the build. In no way did...
California, Story
/ Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
October 20, 2016
Benito and Frances live in East Los Angeles with their two sons, Luke and Levi. They have outgrown the house they have lived in for the last eight years, which is also in need of several repairs. They are excited to own a more spacious home where they can homeschool their boys and invite friends and family over. Benito works as a payroll specialist so that Frances can stay at home to care for Levi and Luke. They are active members of Calvary Chapel in Montebello where they lead support...
California, Story
/ Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
October 20, 2016
Derek and his wife, Lynsie, are newlyweds who currently live in a one-bedroom apartment with inadequate space to start a family. Derek and Lynsie are excited to purchase their first home, which will make them the first in their families to become homeowners. They look forward to having the space they need to raise their future children. Derek is the Youth Pastor at Calvary Chapel Montebello, where he has worked for five years. Lynsie is currently in school and working towards earning her degree in Intercultural Development. They have...
California, Story
/ Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
October 20, 2016
U.S. Navy veteran Maria Jefferson is a single mother of two, in her words, “amazing teenagers,” Briana, 17, and Bryan, 15. After her military duty, Maria struggled due to the fluctuating economy and competitive job market and currently is only able to afford a two-bedroom apartment in a complex that has fallen into disrepair. For the past three years, Maria has worked full-time for Los Angeles County as a senior typist clerk and also stays busy with her children’s school activities. Briana is a competitive dancer with aspirations to become...
California, Story
/ Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
October 20, 2016
Ivania and her three children were living in a 2 bd apartment, which posed health risks due to poor plumbing and proximity to nearby waste management and electrical plants. Ivania works as an eligibility worker in public social services and enjoys helping people in her community. Over the past eight and a half years, she has worked her way up from clerical clerk to her current administrative role. All three children play volleyball. Janelle and Miguel also play rugby and soccer in an after school program. Gissel loves learning about...
