What information led to the selection of this health issues and related result? 

Safe and Affordable Housing was a priority in the 2015 and 2018 CHAs and continues to be of concern for many. Considered a social determinant of health, housing can affect a wide range of health and quality-of-life outcomes. Everyone needs a place to live, regardless of age, job, race, ability, income, or position in life, but, not everyone’s home is affordable. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines “affordable housing” as consuming no more than 30% of a household’s monthly income, including utilities. This is the maximum level a family should spend. Generally, when families or individuals spend more than 30% of their income on housing, they do not have enough income to withstand financial setbacks or meet other basic needs such as food, clothing, and medical insurance.

On average, Henderson County residents spend more for housing (rental and mortgage costs) as compared to the rest of the region. Both the median gross monthly rent and the median monthly home-owner costs in Henderson County are the second highest in the region, only behind Buncombe County. In 2019, 42.8% of all people who rent homes in the county are spending 30% or more of their income on their housing costs. Of all people who own homes in Henderson County, 25.8% are spending more than 30% of their household income on housing costs. Further, as reported in the 2020 Regional Housing Needs Assessment conducted by Bowen National Research, there is a 0% vacancy for government subsidized housing in Henderson County. Waitlists for individuals/families needing subsidized housing range from 3-17 households.

Partners with a role to play in addressing Safe & Affordable Housing in Henderson County include:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Hendersonville Housing Authority
• Thrive
• The Housing Assistance Coorporation
• Pisgah Legal Services
• WNC Source

Safe & Affordable Housing and the related result, "Henderson County residents have access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing", are aligned with the following Healthy NC 2030 health indicators and desired results:

• Individuals Below 200% Federal Poverty Level- Decrease the number of people living in poverty
• Severe Housing Problems- Improve housing quality

The "story behind the curve" helps us understand why the data on safe and affordable housing is the way that it is in Henderson County. When we understand the root causes of our community problems, we have a better chance of finding the right solutions, together.

What's helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Efforts that prevent evictions
• Efforts that hold landlords accountable for needed repairs
• Safety net non-profits
• Rental and bill assistance
• Organizations providing safe and healthy housing services
• Transitional housing options
• Enforcement of ordinances for habitable housing
• Landlord accountability
• Government involvement to overcome market forces that are driving housing costs
• Moving people from homelessness to housing

What's hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influece this issue in our community.

• Lack of affordable housing units
• Lack of enforcement of minimum housing standards
• Costs of housing compared to wage options
• Escalating cost of housing
• Raising rent for renters
• Costs of other basics (ie. food and medical care)
• Lack of funding and restrictions
• Limited water and sewer infrastructure
• Organizations providing housing cannot meet demand
• Limited access to transportation in rural areas
• Perception of affordable housing
• Retirement community not oriented towards affordable housing

Due to turnover in staffing and leadership, there is not currently an active Action Team addressing Safe & Affordable Housing. Although, local organizations both individually and collectively are supporting homeownership and home repair programs, providing housing case management, counseling and education, and financial assistance with rent, utility payments, heating fuel and other necessities. There also continues to be a great need to address homelessness in Henderson County, in conjunction with substance misuse and mental health programs.

Henderson County and the Partnership for Health recognizes that access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing is still a priority for our community. Local organizations both individually and collectively are supporting homeownership and home repair programs; providing housing case management; counseling and education; and financial assistance with rent, utility payments, heating fuel and other necessities. There was not an active Action Team addressing Safe & Affordable Housing for 2023. 

Henderson County Housing Links of Interest