Not only is it a place of shelter, but it also has deep psychological and emotional influences on people, providing them with a feeling of safety and security. If workers do not have safe, decent, and affordable housing, they will not be productive members of the work force. For example, a mother who remains awake at night worrying about someone breaking into her home and harming her family will not be a productive worker. An employee concerned about how to make unaffordable rent payments will probably not focus on the job as well as someone without such concerns. Community Response Communities can draw upon a variety of partners when addressing the housing needs of those moving from welfare to work.
Some partners assist communities and individuals by helping to locate affordable housing.
Others help to establish affordable housing in their area by providing low interest loans. Still other partners can be involved in the education of individuals and families as they move from publicly supported housing to housing in the private sector. Forming Housing Partnerships Many communities already have coalitions that address affordable housing. If there is not one in your community, perhaps you could develop one. This group could assist in identifying affordable housing in the community.