How the Affordable Housing Crisis is Affecting Your Community

Written by Elise Rickard, USF marketing student

One of the biggest myths about the homeless community is that they chose that way of life. The truth is the inability to find affordable housing has contributed to a major rise in the number of homeless people. Florida is currently one of the most expensive places to live, and as more people relocated to Florida, the increase in the demand for housing makes affordability even more difficult.

Every year the gap between affordable housing and income gets larger. The problem is not that apartment buildings and houses are not being built but that they don’t accommodate a large percentage of the community’s income. As prices are rising, more people are forced out of their homes. 70% of low-income families spend more than half of their paycheck on rent, leaving them struggling for other necessities.

Another myth about the homeless is that they do not work. As new businesses and residents move to Tampa. Hillsborough County’s rent is up by 30%. Since prices are rising at a fast pace, it is extremely difficult for residents to keep up. Working a full-time, minimum-wage job just doesn’t cut it for many families.

It is important to understand the struggles our community is facing. The lack of affordable housing is pushing many residents onto the streets. Help wherever you can and remember to stay educated on what’s happening in your community!