Our Work

Our Mission

To effect positive change in the housing system to obtain equitable, affordable and secure housing for all Cumberland County residents.

 

Our Core Values

Three strategic goals will direct our efforts:

Strategic Goal 1:


Educate the community about the need for more safe, equitable, and affordable housing opportunities for all Cumberland County residents.

  • Raise public awareness of the causes, severity, inequities, and socioeconomic impact of the
  • affordable housing crisis in Cumberland County.
  • Share data, information, and best practices in affordable housing development.
  • Convene advocates, housing providers, people with lived experience of housing instability,
  • policymakers, and the public in conversations about affordable housing.
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Strategic Goal 2:


Advocate for programs, policies, and funding that make housing more attainable for all Cumberland County residents.

  • Encourage more property owners and managers to rent to lower-income families and individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • Partner with housing developers, property owners, and government agencies to increase the amount of affordable rental housing and preserve the existing stock.
  • Support increased public and private funding for temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
  • Advance fair housing rights and reduce all forms of discrimination.
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Strategic Goal 3:


Act on new opportunities to create more affordable housing solutions for Cumberland County residents.

  • Attract new housing developers to Cumberland County.
  • Pursue innovative short-term housing strategies.
  • Explore the possibility of establishing a community land trust.
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The Challenges We Face


RENT AND UTILITY INCREASES OUTPACE INFLATION:

According to federal standards, a person should spend 30% or less of their income on housing. Any amount above 30% is considered being house burdened, which places a significant financial strain on individuals and families, often forcing them to make difficult choices between housing, food, healthcare, and other necessities.

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition reported that the fair market rent in Cumberland County during 2022 for a two-bedroom apartment was $1,228/month. A household would need to make $23.62/hour or $49,120 annually to cover their housing needs. But many rentals are listed at a much higher price point than this. The current cost of housing puts a heavy burden on low-income and under-employed families and individuals.

LOW HOUSING INVENTORY:

In a balanced housing market there would be six months of inventory supply. When supply is low, it tends to push prices up more rapidly. (Source: Meredith Dunn, Research Communications Manager, National Association of REALTORS®)

Cumberland County’s housing supply has been low for some time and this impacts affordability for many families and individuals.

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Housing Coalition of Cumberland County © 2024