AFFORDABLE HOUSING

WATCH $224 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING!

Background:  “15,000 people are on a waiting list for about 500 housing vouchers that become available in a given year. The list has been closed for almost two years. Most of the applicants have household incomes of $40,000 to $50,000 (2010, Washington Post).”  From 2003-2005, the county lost 25% of affordable rental stock, 11,591 units.  This has led to the exile of our children, parents, grandparents, and neighbors. (Affordable is defined as units with gross rents under $999 per month. National Housing Trust Foundation).

AIM’s Housing Successes: 

• $224 million for the Housing Initiative Fund (HIF), affordable housing monies, since 2003.  In 2003, AIM leaders organized and won a dedicated funding source for affordable housing.  Each year which ever is great, 2 ½ percent of the property tax or $18 million goes into HIF.  These funds have been used to build or refurbish over 5,000 units of for sale, senior, rental and disability housing throughout the county.

Map of Affordable Housing built with HIF funds

Stories of Families and Individuals who have benefited from HIF funds

• Millions for Homelessness Prevention Programs.  10% of HIF (see above) recourses in recent years have been used for homelessness prevention. 
• Creation of the Permanent Partnership for Housing, the effort provides housing and wraparound social services for families transitioning from homelessness to a stable housing environment.

• $400,000 in 0% loans for Displaced Tenants
• Commitment for over 500 units by Private Developers at both up-county and down-county sites. 
• Expanded Tenants’ Right of First Refusal
•  Windows Fixed at Low-Income Senior Housing Building, Willow Manor.