“A Home for All: How Companies Can Help Bridge the Affordable Housing Gap”

By: Toccara Arnold Alam on behalf of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC)

Affordable housing has been top of mind for the past several years.  According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta in 2018 was $1,497. Today, that same apartment costs $2,068 per month. Meanwhile, 50% of Atlanta residents are living at or below the area median income of $77,655 and spending more than half of their income on housing, according to the 2022 U.S. Census. 

Metro Atlanta companies have every reason to care about affordable housing because it affects their workforce. Many citizens who are struggling with housing are employed full-time but are simply unable to keep pace with the cost of living. To learn how companies can assist, the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC) recently hosted a program called “Home for All: How Companies Can Help Bridge the Affordable Housing Gap.” 

The program took place at Deloitte and featured Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to Mayor Andre Dickens; Audrea Rease, Executive Director of Star-C; and Margaret “Marjy” Stagmeier, Founder and Board Chair of Star-C. Mr. English shared the City of Atlanta’s plans to construct 20,000 affordable housing units on public land and preserve and renovate existing housing within the next eight years. In the past two years, the City has delivered 3,500 affordable units with 5,000 more on the way. This work is not being done alone but rather with the assistance of a host of community partners including Westside Future Fund, AVLF, Midtown Assistance Center, Atlanta Land Trust, Atlanta Legal Aid, and many others.

Once citizens have safe and affordable housing, the needs do not stop there. Thankfully, organizations like Star-C are providing wraparound services addressing the Social Determinants of Health (non-medical factors that influence health outcomes) and preventing eviction, hunger, school transiency, and healthcare gaps. In addition, they are facilitating financial literacy training so that housed citizens have the best chance of staying housed. Star-C delivers its programs in partnership with corporate and individual volunteers, community partners, and local municipalities as well as through the support of philanthropic contributions. Through these partnerships, Star-C is seeing positive results and proving that systems may be changed if we all come together. 

We encourage all businesses to learn more about how they can get involved and help ensure quality housing for everyone who calls Atlanta home – including your employees. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments and foundations should consider financial contributions to the many nonprofits that are striving to preserve and create nonprofit units across metro Atlanta. Additionally, corporations can influence this issue by having leadership join the Boards of Directors for these organizations and providing vital skills-based volunteerism, financial guidance, business acumen, and connections to peers. Companies may also share resources widely with employees such as the City of Atlanta’s Housing Help Center or Atlanta 311. Employers and employees can also educate themselves about affordable housing needs and current state legislation by following an online resource like Atlanta Civic Circle.

The affordable housing crisis is still growing, but there is hope. When we come together toward a common goal, Atlanta has the power to influence significant change and ensure that all citizens have a safe, affordable place to call home. 

This is sponsored content.