In La Porte County, many of our neighbors are struggling with a burden that affects every aspect of their lives: the lack of affordable housing.
According to the La Porte County Vibrant Communities Study and the Indiana Housing Dashboard, 48.3% of La Porte County renters spend more than 30% of their household income on rent. This isn’t just a statistic – it represents real individuals in our community facing impossible choices every month. Do they pay rent or buy groceries? Keep the lights on or visit the doctor?
When individuals and families are forced to allocate such a high percentage of their income to housing, it creates a ripple effect of financial hardship. With limited income left after paying rent, there’s often not enough money for other essential expenses like food, transportation, and medical costs.
The Health Impact of Housing Insecurity
The consequences of this housing crisis extend far beyond financial strain. A study by the National Institute of Health revealed a disturbing connection between neighborhood blight and health. Inadequate health insurance coverage, often a result of financial strain, is one of the largest barriers to healthcare access.
Many individuals in our community are forced to delay or forgo needed care, including doctor visits, dental care, and essential medications. This leads to a vicious cycle of declining health and increasing medical debt.
Furthermore, the stress of this unsustainable financial situation is linked to increased mental health problems and a higher risk of various diseases. The impact is particularly severe for lower-income individuals and minority groups, who account for over half of the uninsured population.
The Benefits of Affordable Housing for Our Community
Addressing the affordable housing crisis isn’t just about providing homes – it’s about building a stronger, healthier community for all. At Homeward Bound Villages, our goal is to build communities through affordable housing. We know that when families have access to affordable housing:
- Health outcomes improve as people can afford necessary medical care
- Children perform better in school due to increased stability
- Local businesses thrive as residents have more disposable income
- Community engagement and civic participation increase
Our Vision: Homeward Bound Villages
At Homeward Bound Villages, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Our cooperative housing model is designed to provide not just affordable rental housing but also a supportive community environment with housing equity.
Our vision goes beyond just building houses. We’re creating a village where residents can prioritize their urgent financial needs, such as healthcare, food, and transportation. By relieving the burden of high housing costs, we’re empowering families to invest in their health, education, and future.
How You Can Help
We can’t solve this crisis alone. We need your support to make affordable rental housing a reality in La Porte County. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate: Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to breaking ground on our first community, Karwick Villages.
- Volunteer: Whether you have construction skills or can help with administrative tasks, we need your time and talent.
- Advocate: Spread awareness about the affordable housing crisis in our community. Share our mission with your networks.
- Partner: If you’re a business or organization, consider partnering with us to create lasting change in our community.
The housing crisis in La Porte County has far-reaching effects. By addressing this critical need for affordable housing, we’re not just providing homes—we’re building a foundation for a healthier, more prosperous community for all.
Join us in our mission to make affordable housing a reality in La Porte County. Together, we can turn the tide on this crisis and create a brighter future for all our neighbors.