Defining the Need for Workforce Homes | Non-Profit Housing Organizations | Affordable Housing Lenders | Affordable Savings

Defining the Need for Workforce Homes

Today, many of the nation's fastest-growing regions are facing significant challenges in housing affordability. In the Richmond area, the average price of a single family home increased to $277,450 in 2006. The very individuals on whom growing communities depend - teachers, police officers, firefighters, and nurses - are finding themselves priced out of the housing market in many regions, including ours. These workers are often forced to choose between living in far-outlying areas or in deteriorating urban neighborhoods, or moving someplace else altogether - taking their valuable and needed skills with them.

Fortunately, there is still time to take action. It is vital that we continue to identify barriers and promote incentives that will ensure the continued availability of affordable housing for this dedicated workforce, whose service and support help make our businesses grow and our families thrive. We must take steps now to assure that the workforce we rely upon will always find a home in the Richmond metropolitan region.