INCREASING ACCESS TO RENTAL HOUSING
Increasing Access To Rental Housing
When households can afford very low rent, their choices are limited: subsidized housing if they are very lucky (there are only enough units for 25% of eligible households), housing with rents more than 50% of their income, housing in dangerous condition. After a housing failure or two (eviction for inability to pay rent or utilities, condemnation of unsafe housing) or other personal disaster (illness, criminal charge, family break-up), the household’s options become even more limited. Without assistance from a housing counselor, the prospects spiral downward rapidly.
In order to know the options available, GHC housing counselors have brought NCHousingSearch.com to bring together landlords and tenants. This free on-line rental listing program allows tenants to find homes and compare options AND it allows landlords to fill vacancies. Then to expand opportunities for those with special challenges, GHC’s tenant education teaches budgeting, housekeeping, and tenant rights and responsibilities, to encourage proper care of rental homes and to help them know how to stand up for themselves-helping both landlords and tenants to successful partnerships.
Beth McKee-Huger
Executive Director