FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2004	Contact: Michele Anapol (202) 466-2121 x226 manapol@nhc.org

NEARLY 6 OUT OF 10 WORKING POOR FAMILIES LACK DECENT, AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING, INCLUDING MANY FULL-TIME MINIMUM WAGE EARNERS

With Focus on Homeownership Programs, Findings Support Concerns Expressed by
Housing Experts That More Must be Done to Ensure Affordable Rental Housing

Washington, DC – Nearly 6 out of 10 working poor families lack decent, affordable rental housing, according to a new report entitled Housing Problems of the Working Poor from the Center for Housing Policy, the research affiliate of the National Housing Conference (NHC). Findings from the report also reveal that more than one-third of working poor families earn at least the full-time minimum wage. This report adds compelling new data to the debate regarding rental and homeownership programs in America. Housing experts have recently expressed concern that with the increasing focus on homeownership initiatives, government decision-makers are not doing enough to ensure the production and preservation of affordable rental housing.

“Working poor families not only work, they work hard, but nevertheless they often pay more than half their income for rental housing, and as a result they are forced to choose between other basic necessities,” said Bob Reid, president and CEO of the Center for Housing Policy. “With the anticipated growth in minimum wage jobs, combined with the increasing affordable housing crisis, these latest findings help emphasize the importance of affordable rental housing not only to families and their children, but to the communities that depend on minimum wage jobs.”

According to the new report, children reside in 60 percent of the working poor households that lack decent, affordable housing. Of these families, more than three-quarters depend on a single wage earner, while the remainder relies on at least two wage earners.

Further findings reveal that working poor families make up more than 17 percent of all families that lack decent, affordable housing. Almost 70 percent of the working poor families with these housing concerns are renters. In addition, working poor households that lack decent, affordable housing are almost evenly split between whites and minorities.

Families that lack decent, affordable housing pay more than half of their income for housing, and, or they live in dilapidated conditions, and as a result they have critical housing needs. A total of $17,650 annually for a family of four would be considered working poor based on the most recent date from which comprehensive data is available. 

###

Return to Center Media Releases