Growing numbers of low-income, disabled, and even working individuals and families do not have access to decent housing that is within their economic means.

Launch of New Affordable Rental Housing Search Database
In 2006, Good Shepherd Center facilitated the introduction of www.capefearhousing.org a free and effective tool for connecting landlords and property managers of affordable rentals with area individuals and families searching for affordable options.




The City of Wilmington and the Affordable Housing Coalition of Southeastern North Carolina hosted the launch of www.capefearhousing.org, an affordable rental housing search database that now will be available to everyone in the area.

For the first time, Lower Cape Fear residents will have easy access to timely, good quality information on available affordable rental units, both Section 8 and market rate. The website, serving users in both English and Spanish, narrows the search for appropriate housing, making the process more convenient for single parents and those with limited transportation. Thanks to underwriting by the NC Housing Finance Agency, participation is free for everyone.

The homeless are a diverse group, including single people, families with children, veterans, individuals with physical and mental health issues, and persons of every racial, ethnic, and educational background.  Perhaps the only thing they have in common is their lack of housing.

Residents of the greater Wilmington area must earn about $13 an hour to afford a modest, 2-bedroom apartment.  With our local economy disproportionately comprised of low-paying service industry jobs, many people fall short of our Living Wage and Housing Wage.  Individuals with disabilities who rely solely on SSI or Social Security, often just $600 per month, face even greater obstacles to obtaining and maintaining housing stability.  For more on the region’s Housing Wage and comparisons with other jurisdictions and the state, see “Out of Reach,” the comprehensive annual report published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition: www.nlihc.org.

In an effort to effect lasting change in our community, Good Shepherd supports the creation of increased numbers of affordable housing units, especially market rate and subsidized rental units aimed at low-income households and persons with disabilities.  For more information on advocacy efforts, supportive housing (housing combined with services) and other effective affordable housing strategies, check out these resources:

Local:
Affordable Housing Coalition of SE North Carolina
www.ahcsenc.com

State:
NC Coalition to End Homelessness
www.ncceh.org

NC Housing Coalition
www.nchousing.org

National:
The Corporation for Supportive Housing
www.csh.org

National Alliance to End Homelessness
www.naeh.org

National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty
www.nlchp.org

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
www.hud.gov