US

Rural America needs help with Affordable Housing

Published

2 years ago

September 26, 2022

America has been facing the issue of affordable housing in major cities and fast-growing urban areas for so many years now, that we almost take it for granted. But what we did not see coming, as a nation, was the same problem sprouting in rural America. This is what is going on, right now, as people from all financial spectrums struggle to find a house that they can afford. Here is why and which solutions should be looked at.

Not enough Jobs, Education and Health Care Availability

What explains housing difficulties is the same as in all other economic sectors: The offer is not sufficient for the demand. And why is that, in rural America? The answer is simple: There are not enough jobs to be handed out in these parts. Also, the children lack sufficient education, and the people are not provided with good health care facilities. Therefore, you don’t find contractors that want to build more homes to invest in the future, in these regions, even though there are more people living there, every year.

Also, most of the houses that exist need to be renovated. They require new facade systems, in order to become more energy efficient. The people that live in these parts, barely make enough to make ends meet, and they have to pay higher energy bills, simply because they can’t afford new aluminium windows and doors, that would greatly reduce their costs. New sustainable materials need to be added outside their walls, to protect their home from high or low temperatures outside. But instead, they are simply fighting each other to find a house that they can live in, at an inflated price, and that won’t even provide them sufficient protection in the warmest and coolest months of the year.

Public Investment is required to start the Process

Money is at the core of the problem. To built more houses, or to renovate the ones that already exist in rural America, a large investment will need to be made. Since it is clear that private owners are scared to enter into this rebuilding of the land by themselves, the different levels of governments need to envision new help plans that will make all this possible. But it isn’t the only investment they must make.

Today, wages are not growing as fast as they were before. We find ourselves in uncertain times, thanks to the COVID-19 crisis and the current war going on in Ukraine. Having a larger part of the population to buy a house, is simply impossible in view of these issues. And yet, this is exactly what rural America needs. Therefore, young adults need to be helped, in some ways, in order to create a larger group of potential home buyers. This will help kick-start the market of housing in rural America, which hopefully will create a dynamic that will continue on, with wealthier individuals investing in construction, in these areas.

Affordable housing has become a necessity in rural America. Otherwise, small towns will continue to disappear. This is not a long-term solution for a growing America, that wants to lead by example.

US

Creating Safe Havens: Inside Genesis USA’s Vision for Inclusive Housing

Published

3 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Jimmy Lerner

Photo Courtesy of GenesisUSA

GenesisUSA, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Texas, works to improve the lives of disabled veterans and children who have lost their parents. Led by Charles Ford, the organization goes beyond providing financial aid. It focuses on long-term solutions, like building wheelchair-accessible homes, to support independence and dignity for those in need. With rising housing costs and growing inequality, GenesisUSA’s mission addresses a critical gap.

Ford and his team create supportive environments that help promote self-reliance in underserved communities. As a smaller, community-based organization, it addresses challenges that can be difficult for larger organizations to manage. Its work shows how local initiatives can make a noticeable difference.

A Growing Crisis: The Need for Accessible Housing

The demand for affordable and accessible housing continues to grow. A 2023 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that more than 11 million U.S. households need homes with accessibility features. This challenge is more pronounced for disabled veterans, with nearly four million living in homes that do not meet their physical needs.

“Our veterans have sacrificed a lot for this country, but many still face housing that doesn’t suit their needs,” Ford says. “Beyond merely providing them shelter, we’re creating a space where they can live comfortably.”

GenesisUSA is responding by building homes designed for accessibility. These houses include ramps, wider doorways, and modified kitchens and bathrooms to allow veterans to live more independently. The organization also plans to create supportive environments for children who have lost their parents, many of whom also face mobility challenges.

Ford’s Community-Driven Leadership at GenesisUSA

Ford’s years of experience in construction and his dedication to charitable work have shaped his leadership at GenesisUSA. He stays closely involved, often meeting veterans and families to learn about their needs firsthand. “For me, it’s about building personal connections,” Ford says. “Large charities sometimes miss the individual stories.”

The community focus defines Ford’s leadership. Although some wonder if a smaller nonprofit can make a meaningful impact, Ford is confident. “We don’t have celebrity endorsements or huge budgets, but we have real relationships with the people we help,” he says. His dedication to grassroots efforts sets GenesisUSA apart from larger, more structured organizations.

GenesisUSA has already helped over 100 people and aims to expand its impact with affordable, accessible housing solutions. One notable feature is the inclusion of a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool, which has received positive feedback. Ford says, “We’re creating spaces where people can enjoy life fully, just like everyone else,” which reflects the organization’s mission to support independence and inclusion.

Building More Than Homes: A Reflection of Hope

Ford looks back on GenesisUSA’s progress with a clear sense of purpose. “We’re not simply building homes, we’re offering hope and building opportunities for independence,” he says. “We’re here to support veterans who face mobility challenges and children who have lost their parents, offering them a chance at a more self-reliant life.”

As the organization’s reach expands, so does its ability to impact lives across the country. Its work embodies Ford’s dedication to ensuring that no one is overlooked. Ford envisions scaling their efforts while maintaining the personalized approach that defines their model.

“We’re still in the early stages,” he notes. “As we grow, we’ll continue to prioritize individual needs. Our success hinges on the improved quality of life for each person we help.”

As the demand for accessible, supportive housing rises, organizations like GenesisUSA play an important role in filling gaps left by larger institutions and government programs. Through its focus on tailored support and community-driven solutions, GenesisUSA is building a model for how smaller nonprofits can significantly impact and address pressing social needs.