The explosion of Upstate growth comes with growing concerns about the need for housing. Those concerns are evidenced by calls to United Way of Greenville County’s community resource helpline, 211. Last year, the service logged 23,000 calls, nearly half of which were from people facing a housing crisis, including the urgent need for rent and utility assistance.
But why?
“Home prices and rents have risen faster than inflation in recent years,” according to Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “While income growth has allowed some households to keep pace, many in our community with lower incomes struggle to keep up and have few options — especially for homeownership. These rising costs for housing are often a budget-buster for people already struggling to make ends meet.”
Barp said United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report paints “the best picture we’ve ever had of the actual need in our community” as it compares what people are actually earning versus what it costs to live in our community.
The report shows how the region’s population growth and real estate boom has put a disproportionate strain on low-income families. The market has had difficulty keeping up with demand, which has increased the competition and cost for housing. Median household income is not keeping up with cost, decreasing the affordability of housing for families in Greenville County.
Barp noted that the lack of affordable, quality homes has broader ramifications for the entire Upstate.
“Without access to affordable housing, Greenville County workers struggle to find and maintain employment close to home, hindering productivity and economic growth,” she said. “Stable housing is essential for attracting and retaining a skilled workforce and fostering a resilient local economy.”
The agency’s focus goes beyond access to affordable housing, however.
“Our housing work covers everything on the spectrum from homelessness to families purchasing their first home, Barp emphasized. “By addressing the housing challenges facing Greenville County, we can create a community where everyone has access to safe, stable and affordable housing. Together, we can build a future where housing is not a source of stress or insecurity, but a foundation for thriving individuals, families and neighborhoods.”
If you want to help, visit unitedwaygc.org/get-involved.
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