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Five Myths and Realities About Affordable Housing

 

 

  

 

Myth 1 - Affordable housing is the same as public housing (projects). 
 
 
Reality

The bad connotation of public housing lingers today due to the unfortunate failure of some large housing projects.  There are no public housing units of this type in DuPage County.  Today’s affordable homeownership options in DuPage County are in scattered, not concentrated, sites that allow working families to live near their place of employment, adult children to live in the community where they grew up and senior citizens to stay in their homes and remain independent.

 

Myth 2 - Homeownership is for people who can afford it.
 
 
Reality

A lack of affordable housing negatively affects employers, seniors, immigrants, entry-level and service sector workers, and public sector professionals such as firefighters, police officers, and teachers.  It also impacts the economic development of the region, traffic congestion, commute times and air quality.  It affects all of us!

 

Myth 3 - Affordable housing is poor quality housing.
 
 
Reality

This perception is a memory of housing projects of the 1960s.  Newly proposed affordable housing is subject to the same building code restrictions established for the safety of residents.

 

Myth 4 - An increase in affordable housing serving a diverse population will bring down property values and increase crime.
 
 
Reality

Numerous studies from around the country support the general notion that affordable housing has no negative impact on the surrounding property values—especially if it is thoroughly integrated into the neighborhood.

 

Myth 5 - There is an adequate supply of affordable homes in Dupage County.

   
Reality

Owning a home in Dupage County is unaffordable for many seniors, young families, and workers.  Families earning the median income of $71,600 cannot afford the median-priced home of $329,000.  In fact, using HUD affordability standards, it would take an income of $109,700 to afford the median priced home.  Also, the lack of affordable housing for those who work in DuPage is reflected in the 478% increase in the number of people commuting into DuPage to work between 1970 and 2000.

 
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