A Home for All: How Companies Can Bridge the Affordable Housing Gap
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta has risen significantly from $1,497 in 2018 to $2,068 today. With a growing segment of the Atlanta working population unable to match the soaring cost of living, affordable housing shortages have become a ubiquitous issue for Atlanta corporations and their workforces to grapple with. It’s time for companies, therefore, to accept this social responsibility and actively contribute towards affordable housing solutions within the city.
A Collective Corporate Effort
The affordable housing shortage in Atlanta demands a comprehensive solution that can only be made possible by a collective corporate effort. The Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC) recently hosted a program called “Home for All: How Companies Can Help Bridge the Affordable Housing Gap.” The esteemed set of panelists for this program consisted of Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to Mayor Andre Dickens, Audrea Rease, Executive Director of Star-C, and Margaret “Marjy” Stagmeier, Founder and Board Chair of Star-C.
Plans and Strategies
Mr. English mapped out the City of Atlanta’s plan to alleviate the housing crisis within the community. The strategy aims to build 20,000 units of affordable housing on public land and also refurbish existing residential spaces within a span of eight years. The past two years saw the construction of 3,500 affordable units with an additional 5,000 currently underway. This work is a collaborative effort, with several community partners like Westside Future Fund, AVLF, Midtown Assistance Center, Atlanta Land Trust, Atlanta Legal Aid, amongst others, pledging active support and resources.
Addressing the Social Determinants of Health
While providing affordable housing is the primary objective, social determinants of health (non-medical factors that influence health outcomes) must not be left unaddressed. Star-C, an organization committed to protecting the welfare of the community, provides much-needed wraparound services. These services counter root problems such as school transiency, eviction, hunger, healthcare gaps and even include financial literacy training to enable occupants to maintain their housing situation. Star-C executes these programs in partnership with corporate volunteer groups, local municipalities, community partners, and philanthropic donations, demonstrating the possible effectivity of a collective effort.
Corporate Contributions
Companies in Atlanta can contribute to the affordable housing remedy in several ways. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments can support affordable housing initiatives by making monetary contributions to numerous nonprofits committed to building nonprofit housing in metro Atlanta. Company leaders can volunteer their business acumen and financial guidance by taking active roles in these nonprofits’ Boards of Directors. Effective resources, such as the City of Atlanta’s Housing Help Center or Atlanta 311, can be circulated among employees to provide useful information. Additionally, information pertaining to affordable housing needs and current legislation can be shared by corporate bodies, aligning everyone’s understanding of this collective goal.
United We Stand
The affordable housing crisis in Atlanta is an ongoing issue, but with combined corporate efforts, there’s hope for impactful change. The unions showcased by these initiatives illustrate the potential of a united front in guaranteeing every citizen has a safe, affordable home. Fostering a better Atlanta requires the goodwill of businesses and organizations alike, for only then can we bridge the affordable housing gap and make Atlanta a home for all.