Advocacy for the Poor - Thinking Nationally...Advocating Locally.Advocacy for the Poor - Thinking Nationally...Advocating Locally.

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  • Affordable Healthcare
  • Affordable Housing
  • Hunger
  • Poverty

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    Hunger

    The current economic crisis has contributed to a growing number of homeless in the nation.

    The Problem

    • There are approximately 11,802 Homeless people in North Carolina and as of January 2009, about 517 of these were located in Forsyth County.
      • The homeless population is overwhelmingly concentrated in urban areas.
    • The rising costs of housing contribute to the number of newly homeless who find themselves unable to meet the high ratio of housing costs to income.
      • Since 2007, adjustable rate mortgages have created severe burdens for many families.
      • The unemployment rate has doubled.
      • In Forsyth County 32% of renters reported a housing cost burden of more than 30% their annual income. Even more alarmingly, 16% reported housing costs equal to 50% or more of their annual income.
      • Homeowners are less likely to experience this magnitude of financial burden with only 19% claiming their costs are 30% or more of their annual income and just 7% reporting housing costs at or above 50% of their income.
    • Significant budget cuts for the Housing Authority of Winston- Salem (HAWS) have resulted in widespread reductions in voucher payments for Section 8 housing participants. Though the cuts are hoped to be temporary, until federal funding is restored voucher payments will remain reduced. This means that people with limited or no income now face a higher housing cost burden.

    The Consequences

    • The number of people who live below the Federal Poverty Level has increased significantly.
    • More families are experiencing foreclosures and are likely to be forced from their homes.
    • Service providers are being met with an increased demand for services at the same time that many are facing budget cuts and shortfalls due to the economy. Meeting the needs of our community is becoming increasingly difficult.

    Taking Action

    Advocacy for the Poor supports the Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Forsyth County by advocating for policies that provide affordable housing solutions for the homeless in Forsyth County.

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