Housing GSO: HRA Greensboro Affordable Housing Plan

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY

QUESTIONS & RESPONSES | Housing GSO Survey (Aug-Sep 2020)

Consider the focus area you ranked #1. Briefly explain why you would make this is a top priority. • I’ve always rented but recently the prices have rendered me on the verge of homelessness unless I find somewhere where my rent will be based on my income. • Some are home owners now but own in neighborhoods that have not received the same attention or state, local and private investments... • All people should be able to build their assets, so their money is working for them. Quality housing is essential and homeownership is the first building block to building one assets and attaining financial freedom. • Low income housing choices are very poor in Greensboro. Old large rental apartments some people shouldn’t have to live in . Rents are too high. • Everyone should have the opportunity to own a home, as a long term their investment. So they pass to their kids. • Greensboro has one of the greatest need of affordable housing in North Carolina. Most metro cities in NC now have plans with specific funds to support affordable housing, Greensboro does not. • So much of the housing crisis is because of the persistent shortage of safe rental housing affordable to those with low wages or fixed incomes. The goals for developing and preserving rental housing are top priority. • Wages are low in Guilford county still. Unless the economy improves, affordable rental (if you can control evictions better) provides the most versatile stability. It doesn’t change prospects for the future though. It’s a safety net. But it shouldn’t come at the expense of future goals like improving the economy and strengthening the middle class, as it will always be a problem if you neglect future growth. • We need to be focused on wealth accumulation/Neighborhood revitalization and better paying jobs and workforce development. The money to support the poor is drying up and we need to focus our efforts on wealth building. • Too many workers don’t make enough to afford living in Greensboro.

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