What does the word “home” mean to you? Is it a quiet respite away from the world, or is it loud and filled with life and memories? Either way, the spaces we call home are precious to us. Like most precious things, we take great care to ensure that they are well cared for and securely and safely held within our possession. For those experiencing housing insecurity, the risk of losing the place they call home is a daily source of fear.
Housing security is more than just a roof over one’s head; it’s the foundation upon which individuals and families build their lives, dreams, and futures. Housing security is comfort in the knowledge that our home is secure, as much as it can be. As we continue our Community Builder Fundraiser campaign, let’s explore the far-reaching impacts of affordable, stable housing and why your support is so vital.
The Ripple Effect of Housing Security
Housing security touches every aspect of life, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of a home:
- Health and Well-being: Stable housing is directly linked to better physical and mental health outcomes. The stress of housing instability can lead to a host of health issues, from anxiety and depression to chronic diseases.
- Education: For children, a stable home environment is crucial for academic success. It provides a quiet place to study and the consistency needed to focus on learning rather than worrying about where they’ll sleep next.
- Economic Stability: When families aren’t burdened by excessive housing costs, they have more resources for other necessities like food, healthcare, and savings for the future.
- Community Cohesion: Neighborhoods with stable, affordable housing tend to have lower crime rates, stronger social ties, and more engaged residents.
Experts across various fields recognize the importance of housing security. The Health Foundation of La Porte has identified affordable housing as a critical need in our community, demonstrating its commitment through its generous grant support of Homeward Bound Villages to bring Karwick Village, an affordable housing community, to La Porte County.
Did you know that, as of 2019, La Porte County has a deficit of 1,400 low-income rental units? Furthermore, 25% of La Porte County residents earn more than the Federal Poverty level but less than the basic cost of living. This means that this subset of our neighbors does not qualify for subsidies but does not make enough to afford the basic cost of living here. Last, did you know that 75% of low-income households pay more than 30%of their income on rent, leaving them classified as housing insecure? This is a scary way to live, especially when the place that one calls home is at risk. These are more than facts and figures; they are the lives of La Porte County residents and our neighbors. This data underscores the urgent need for initiatives like ours.
Your Role in Creating Housing Security
This is where you come in. For just $12 per month – the cost of a few coffee shop visits – you can help provide peace and security to our neighbors through stable housing. Your monthly contribution directly supports our efforts to build La Porte County’s first cooperative community, offering 12 units of affordable housing to those who need it most.
By becoming a Community Builder, you’re not just donating money; you’re investing in the future of our community. You’re helping to break the cycle of housing insecurity and giving families the stable foundation they need to thrive.
As we near the halfway point of our Community Builder Fundraiser campaign, we’re calling on you to join this transformative initiative. Your $12 monthly pledge represents more than just financial support—it’s a statement that you believe everyone deserves a place to call home.
Join us today in building a community where housing security is a reality for all. Together, we can create a La Porte County where every resident has the opportunity to live, grow, and prosper in a place they can truly call home.
Remember, your $12 monthly contribution isn’t just a donation – it’s a key that unlocks the door to a better future for our entire community. Act now and be part of the change we all wish to see.