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October 7th marks World Habitat Day, a global initiative recognized by the United Nations to spotlight the importance of adequate shelter and to reflect on the state of our towns and cities. This year's theme, “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,” emphasizes the need for young people to be actively involved in shaping their urban environments. As our world continues to urbanize rapidly, especially in regions like Africa and Asia, this theme underscores the importance of involving the younger generation in participatory planning and leadership.
The Global Challenge of Attainable Housing
The concept of "Missing Middle Housing," popularized by Opticos Design founder Daniel Parolek in 2010, is a transformative approach that aims to address the housing crisis. This movement advocates for a wider variety of housing options in walkable neighborhoods—places where people can live, work, and play within close proximity. Missing Middle Housing seeks to fill the gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments, offering more choices that are affordable, sustainable, and well-designed.
Lynn Richards, President and CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism, highlights the need for diverse housing options:
“If there’s one thing Americans love, it’s choices: what to eat, where to work, who to vote for. But when it comes to where we live or how to get around, our choices can be limited. Many people of all ages would like to live in vibrant neighborhoods, downtowns, and Main Streets—places where jobs and shops lie within walking distance—but right now, those places are in short supply. Missing Middle Housing provides more housing choices. And when we have more choices, we create living, thriving neighborhoods for people and businesses.”
This paradigm shift is crucial as Americans face limited housing choices and increasing costs, which restrict the availability of vibrant, walkable communities.
Local Impact: Chester County’s Housing Struggles
In Chester County, the struggle with affordable housing is becoming more pronounced. According to the Chester County Planning Commission’s “Housing Report-2023,” the median sales price for homes reached an all-time high of $492,000. The supply of lower-priced homes is dwindling, with only 462 homes sold for under $250,000 last year—a decrease of 3.1% from the previous year. This trend is exacerbated by high rent prices, which have surged to a median of $1,625 per month, up 44% in the past eight years.
The disparity between rising housing costs and slower wage growth has created a significant challenge for local residents. Many individuals and families are struggling to find affordable housing close to their workplaces, impacting both our economy and the social fabric of our community.
The Attainable Housing Advocacy, developed by The Home Team, part of the Chester County faith community, Westminster Presbyterian Church, provides more information and resources for civilians to equip themselves with the facts and learn more about ways to help.
Habitat for Humanity of Chester County: Local Initiatives and Global Impact
Habitat for Humanity of Chester County is committed to addressing these issues locally and globally. Our initiatives include developing affordable housing in West Grove and Coatesville and supporting international efforts through our partnership with Habitat Guatemala. In June, we made a significant impact by contributing $1,500 to Habitat Guatemala, aiding in their mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for families in need. Our tithe partners shared a heartwarming thank-you note with us.
“Dear friends of HFH of Chester County,
On behalf of the board of directors, staff, volunteers, and beneficiary families of Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, we extend a warm welcome to this wonderful family and our sincere gratitude for your generous tithe of $1,500 for the month of June. Your support is critical to advancing our mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for families in need.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership and the positive impact it has on the lives of Guatemalan families. Your commitment and generosity allow us to work together to create lasting change in our communities.
We encourage you to continue this meaningful partnership as we strive to build a better future for more families in Guatemala. Together, we can achieve even greater milestones and transform countless lives. To express our gratitude, we invite you to watch the attached video we prepared for you, where you can meet some of our beneficiaries and our colonia Luis Samayoa located in Zacapa, Guatemala.”
Our efforts in Chester County are a crucial part of this global movement. By promoting attainable housing solutions and supporting projects like Missing Middle Housing, we are working to create more inclusive and sustainable communities. Our developments are designed to be a stepping stone towards broader, global impact, proving that local actions can indeed lead to global change.
Become An Attainable Housing Advocate
Your involvement can make a significant difference in addressing the housing crisis. Here’s how you can contribute:
Educate Yourself: Understand the challenges of attainable housing and the consequences of its scarcity.
Engage with Local Officials: Learn about your municipality’s long-range housing plans and zoning codes—advocate for increased density and support for attainable housing projects.
Stay Informed: Watch your municipal Planning Commission agendas for new housing proposals and voice your support for attainable housing initiatives.
Support Local Projects: Advocate for and support projects that aim to create more affordable housing options.
Get Involved with Habitat for Humanity: Volunteer, donate, or participate in local initiatives to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
By taking these steps, you can help create more vibrant, affordable, and sustainable communities. Together, we can build a better future for everyone.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Chester County and how you can get involved, visit our website.
Let’s work together to celebrate World Habitat Day by making a real impact in our communities and beyond.
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