The benefits of affordable housing can be divided into three broad categories: education, health, and economic activity. By reducing involuntary resident mobility, whether due to eviction, inability to make rent payments, or a desire to avoid unhealthy or undesirable living conditions, access to affordable housing can produce important benefits for residents in the form of improved school performance and health. The development of affordable housing can boost local economic activity through temporary construction related employment and ongoing consumer purchase driven jobs in the local economy. Access to affordable housing improves an employer’s ability to attract and retain employees and remain competitive the in global economy.
Affordable housing also reduces social service costs by providing targeted health and social services and helps end the cycle of poverty. Services for low-income families may include adult education, financial literacy programs, health and wellness programs, child care, and after-school programs. Additionally, permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless produces significant savings on the healthcare and public safety systems.
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