Here’s a sobering number: More than 19 million households in America (or about 30 percent of all renters) pay more than half of their monthly income on housing. This is a key factor in what the government now refers to as “housing insecurity” — a condition in which a person or family’s living situation is tentative, or to put it more bluntly … how close the family might be to homelessness. But what, exactly, does it mean to be “housing insecure?” The Department of Health and Human Services defines it based on benchmarks. Let’s look at them one by one.
High Housing Costs in Proportion to Income
Most people who are considered housing insecure probably fall into this category. The government defines “affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More” as housing that costs no more than one-third of a household’s combined monthly income. Spending more than that amount usually puts the householdAll the people who occupy a housing unit. A household includes the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the hous... More under financial strain; when it exceeds one-half that amount, it’s unsustainable for most families. If you’re struggling under the cost of your rent and utilities in proportion to your income, you may be housing insecure.
Substandard Housing
If you live in a home or apartment that lacks basic upkeep and services (for example, proper heating in winter, clean, running water or decaying walls/floors, etc.), you may be considered housing insecure on the grounds that your home situation may be unlivable. If the authorities find grounds to condemn the property, you may be asked to leave.
Overcrowding
If there are too many people living in the house or apartment for everyone to live safely, the government considers this to be housing insecure. (This often happens when too many people crowd into a space to help share the rent.)
Sub-Families
Along the same lines as overcrowding, when two or more families share the same home in an attempt to shoulder the cost of living, this is also considered housing insecure.
Residential Mobility
You may not be living on the street, but if you find yourself to be transient, having to move every few months for economic reasons, your housing situation is not secure.
Homelessness
By definition, homelessness (i.e., having no place to live, sleeping on the streets or in shelters) is the ultimate expression of housing insecurity.
With housing costs skyrocketing in most parts of the country—and incomes not raising to match — housing insecurity is becoming a major problem in the U.S. The good news is that there are subsidized programs across the country and in most towns that help low-income families and individuals find comfortable, affordable housingIn general, housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities. Please note that some jurisdictions may define af... More and stabilize their living situation. Olympia ManagementOlympia Management, Inc. exists to meet the needs of the affordable housing community by providing top-quality living conditions, excellent management, compassionate interaction with tenants, and cons... More is pleased to manage many such properties in multiple states across the southeast. To check availability in your area, call us today at 1-800-665-9994.