Findings from the Housing Solution Network’s 2024 Survey
Editorial content by Liz Revord
Dear Beacon Readers,
As a community, we have been unaware of the true extent of the housing crisis. We’ve consumed news clips and heard stories of workers forced to leave due to a lack of housing, yet we’ve remained in the dark about the severity of the situation right here in Jefferson County. In order to create true change, it was imperative that we uncover the lived reality for so many of our friends, family, and neighbors who call this place home.
To better understand, Housing Solutions Network (HSN) launched a comprehensive community-wide survey in the summer of 2024 to assess the dire state of affordable housing and its impacts on the local economy. Our goal was to gather concrete data that would empower decision-makers, representatives, and the broader community with undeniable evidence of housing’s impact on both the people and the place of Jefferson County.
What we discovered was alarming. Over the past decade, our County has regressed in terms of both affordability and availability of housing. Our workers—and, by extension, our entire community—are at risk. As we look ahead, the HSN survey suggests conditions are likely to deteriorate further. However, we now possess critical data to present to our fellow community members and decision-makers, underscoring the urgent need for action.
What follows is HSN’s report, Housing Jefferson County’s Economy—an evidence-based analysis on housing, workforce, and our economy. This report provides essential insights and the foundation for enacting urgently needed reforms in our approach to housing, permitting, building codes, investment strategies, and overall focus.
At HSN, we firmly believe this report, coupled with committed and immediate actions from government officials, housing providers, and community members, will catalyze significant changes in how affordable housing is addressed within Jefferson County. Together, we can help shape and create housing that works for all.
Click here to read the full report.
In Community,
Liz Revord, Director
Housing Solutions Network
