2024 Pierce County

Affordable Housing is Essential to All Civic Interests

Join us for an impactful week-long celebration during Affordable Housing Week, as we illuminate the critical role of affordable housing in shaping resilient communities. Attend our array of in-person and virtual events, engage in meaningful conversations, and join us in fostering a collective shift in perspective, recognizing affordable housing's profound impact on all civic interests beyond individual needs

EVENTS

ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING WEEK

WHAT IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING WEEK?

Get ready for an exhilarating journey through Affordable Housing Week – a spirited annual festivity dedicated to education, advocacy, and community empowerment! This isn't your typical event series; it's a dynamic platform where we shine a spotlight on the indispensable role of affordable housing in strengthening our neighborhoods. Join us alongside AHC and our committed partners as we unite elected officials, city and county staff, passionate advocates, and the vibrant residents of Pierce County. Together, we're building momentum for investments and policies that ensure everyone has access to affordable, thriving, and inclusive communities. Get ready to be part of something truly impactful.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING
WEEK RECEPTION

BUY TICKETS

MAY 9, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Edison Square, Tacoma, WA

Join us for a celebratory reception to celebrate Affordable Housing Week! This event promises an evening of community building and advocacy.

DETAILS

SPONSORSHIP

event details

FILM SCREENING

UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality

BUY TICKETS

MAY 8, 2024 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Grand Cinema, Tacoma, WA

ABOUT THE FILM

From the award-winning writer & director, Colin K. Gray, produced by The Sibs and executive produced by Lucy Liu, UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality is a searing exposé of the growing affordable housing crisis in America.

This intimate feature documentary focuses on one of the country's most iconic and income divided zip codes, Venice CA 90291. Once a mecca for artists, outsiders and a thriving black community, Venice is now the frontline for America's heated battles over gentrification, lack of affordable housing, and homelessness.

With moving, personal profiles of several artist families who struggle to remain in their neighborhood, to bitterly contested community fights over a proposed homeless shelter, UNZIPPED explodes stereotypes and humanizes the lived experiences of people caught in the crossfire of America's growing housing divide.

& DIRECTOR DISCUSSION

EVENTS

BUILDING
HOME.

An Affordable Housing Quest

PLAY NOW!

Dive into the world of housing development with our new interactive game, designed to give you a hands-on understanding of what it takes to build affordable housing. Created by the Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium in partnership with Joshua Jorgensen and Danny Fisher-Bruns, and sponsored by Tacoma Housing Authority, this game is not just fun but also an enlightening educational tool.

AHW Resources

PUBLIC HEALTH

Healthy Homes, Healthy Communities: The
Intersection of Housing and Public Health

Safe and affordable housing is a cornerstone of public health. The environments

we call home have profound effects on our physical and mental well-being. Poor

housing conditions—such as overcrowding and exposure to mold and pollutants—can lead to a myriad of health problems, from respiratory issues to chronic stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that individuals facing housing instability or homelessness are at a higher risk for infectious diseases, injuries, and even violence. Conversely, stable and affordable housing contributes to improved health outcomes, lowers medical costs, and enhances the overall quality of life for communities. Investing in affordable housing initiatives is not just about creating homes; it's a vital strategy for fostering healthier communities across the nation.

FIND MORE INFORMATION:

Public Health & Affordable Housing Fact Sheet

52% of renter households are cost burdened in Pierce County paying over 30% of their income on housing.

2022: ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles

CHILD WELFARE

Safe and Stable: Supporting Children and Families through Affordable Housing

Affordable housing plays a pivotal role in the health and stability of families,

deeply intersecting with child welfare. Studies have highlighted a troubling

link: children facing housing instability are significantly more prone to encounter educational struggles, health issues, and even involvement in the child welfare system. By providing stable and affordable homes, we lay a crucial foundation that not only prevents family separation but also fosters the healthy development of children. With nearly half of all children in the U.S. living in low-income families, the pressure of unaffordable housing looms large. By addressing these housing needs, we can alleviate many risk factors tied to child welfare concerns, paving the way for healthier and more secure family environments.

FIND MORE INFORMATION:

In the 2020-2021 school year, 3.1% of Pierce County students were homeless

National Center for Education Statistics

Child Welfare & Affordable Housing Fact Sheet

TRANSPORTATION

Moving Forward: Linking Transportation Equity To Affordable Housing

Transportation equity and affordable housing are integral components of

community development, shaping accessibility, mobility, and economic

opportunities. The affordability of housing directly impacts transportation choices and expenditures, often leading households to seek housing in areas with lower costs but limited transit access. Consequently, this results in extended commutes and increased transportation expenses. Additionally, the scarcity of affordable housing near transit hubs and employment centers exacerbates transportation challenges, particularly for low-income individuals and families. Studies from the American Public Transportation Association reveal that housing and transportation expenses combined can consume up to 50% of household incomes, disproportionately affecting low-income households. To address these issues, integrating affordable housing with transit-oriented development and expanding access to affordable housing near transportation hubs are essential strategies. By doing so, we can enhance mobility, reduce transportation costs, and foster sustainable and equitable communities for all.

FIND MORE INFORMATION:

Transporation & Affordable Housing Fact Sheet

The number of workers in Tacoma who have commutes of more than an hour
increased by almost 70% from 2010 to 2019.

HUD, 2022

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Advancing Equity and Justice Through
Affordable Housing Initiatives

Affordable housing stands as a critical pillar of racial and social justice,

forming the foundation for equitable societies. Throughout history, systemic

injustices such as redlining, segregation, and housing discrimination have perpetuated racial disparities in housing accessibility and affordability. These injustices have far-reaching impacts, fueling wealth gaps, neighborhood segregation, and limited economic prospects for marginalized groups. Data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition underscores the disproportionate impact of housing insecurity on people of color, with Black and Hispanic households facing elevated rates of housing cost burdens and homelessness compared to their white counterparts. By championing policies and initiatives geared toward fostering fair and inclusive housing opportunities, we can actively dismantle systemic barriers, foster inclusive communities, and advance the cause of racial and social justice.

FIND MORE INFORMATION:

Tacoma is one of the most racially diverse cities in WA, where 41.5% of residents are people of color.

BDS Planning and Urban Design and EconNorthwest, 2021

Social Justice & Affordable Housing Fact Sheet

HIGHER EDUCATION

Beyond Campus Walls: Affordable Housing and
Higher Education

Access to affordable housing is vital for college students' academic success and

overall well-being. With rising instances of housing insecurity and homelessness,

students' educational journeys and mental health are increasingly at risk. Research by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice reveals that nearly 46% of college students faced housing insecurity in the past year, while 17% experienced homelessness. The escalating costs of housing, alongside increasing tuition and living expenses, place substantial financial burdens on students, especially those from low-income families. Initiatives like campus-based housing assistance and partnerships with local housing providers are crucial in addressing these challenges. Providing safe, stable housing is fundamental to promoting educational equity and ensuring the success of students across the spectrum.

FIND MORE INFORMATION:

Nearly half of college students experienced either food or housing insecurity.

Washington Student Achievement Council, 2023

Higher Education & Affordable Housing Fact Sheet

Sponsorship Opportunites

Anchor 3

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SPONSOR FORM

SPONSOR TODAY

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING OUR EVENT?

The Affordable Housing Consortium is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities for this fun and commemorative week. Download our "Sponsor Form" to share details, or select "Sponsor Today" to take advantage of this great opportunity!

Affordable Housing is Essential to All Civic Interests

ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING WEEK

AFFORDABLE HOUSING WEEK RECEPTION

MAY 9, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Edison Square, Tacoma, WA

Join us for a celebratory reception to celebrate Affordable Housing Week! This event promises an evening of community building and advocacy.

FILM SCREENING

UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality

MAY 8, 2024 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Grand Cinema, Tacoma, WA

ABOUT THE FILM

​

& DIRECTOR DISCUSSION

EVENTS

BUILDING HOME.

An Affordable Housing Quest

PUBLIC HEALTH

Healthy Homes, Healthy Communities: The Intersection of Housing and Public Health

FIND MORE INFORMATION:

Public Health & Affordable Housing Fact Sheet

52% of renter households are cost burdened in Pierce County paying over 30% of their income on housing.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

JOIN OUR GROWING LIST OF SPONSORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS

2024 PROCLAMATIONS

City of Lakewood

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING
WEEK RECEPTION

BUILDING
HOME.

Healthy Homes, Healthy Communities: The
Intersection of Housing and Public Health