house
living accommodations
We envision a housed athens
Housing is one of the most pressing issues in Athens-Clarke County. The combination of rising housing costs, decreases in available housing units, inflation, and the end of pandemic-era moratoriums on eviction have increased the probability of eviction and housing volatility. While low-income families are disproportionately affected by what is considered by many to be a housing crisis, many families across the income distribution are “housing stressed,” which is defined as spending more than 30% of your take-home pay on rent or mortgage. Quality, affordable housing is a challenge across our community.
Cost
The increased cost of housing has put stress on most families living in Athens. Low income renters are especially struggling right now, and the high rent prices are forcing many to move out of Athens-Clarke County. Convening partners are needed to address the rising cost of living, specifically pertaining to housing for all Athenians.
Supply
Within Athens-Clarke County, there are not enough housing units for the demand of renters or buyers. This supply constraint is not only a problem for individuals searching for housing, but also for organizations that require spaces to meet. The lack of housing units is causing people to leave Athens in order to be able to find a place to live.
Housing & Tenant Rights
We have found that many residents, specifically renters, do not know their housing rights. At the same time, those who do know their rights feel fearful to exercise their rights due to looming eviction threats. In order to empower tenants to fulfill their housing rights, support for educational opportunities in tenants rights and housing vouchers for the Athens community is needed.
Planning & Zoning Policy Issues
Collaboration is needed between the planning and zoning policy development and the community to add more housing options for Athenians. Athens-Clarke County faces a large need for policy change to benefit families and individuals who are facing housing fragility.
Cost
The increased cost of housing has put stress on most families living in Athens. Low income renters are especially struggling right now, and the high rent prices are forcing many to move out of Athens-Clarke County. Convening partners are needed to address the rising cost of living, specifically pertaining to housing for all Athenians.
Supply
Within Athens-Clarke County, there are not enough housing units for the demand of renters or buyers. This supply constraint is not only a problem for individuals searching for housing, but also for organizations that require spaces to meet. The lack of housing units is causing people to leave Athens in order to be able to find a place to live.
Housing & Tenant Rights
We have found that many residents, specifically renters, do not know their housing rights. At the same time, those who do know their rights feel fearful to exercise their rights due to looming eviction threats. In order to empower tenants to fulfill their housing rights, support for educational opportunities in tenants rights and housing vouchers for the Athens community is needed.
Planning & Zoning Policy Issues
Collaboration is needed between the planning and zoning policy development and the community to add more housing options for Athenians. Athens-Clarke County faces a large need for policy change to benefit families and individuals who are facing housing fragility.
