Martine Taylor

As a community we need to change the way we think about affordable housing. In fact, we might consider renaming affordable housing and rebranding it for what it is here in the Boston area, workforce housing.

Single-family home prices in Massachusetts are experiencing the largest increase of any state in the nation. The latest data from The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman, shows that a single-family home in Plymouth County has risen from $326,847 in 2016 to $370,000 in 2018. Condominiums have gone $255,000 in 2016 to $290,000 in 2018.

Recent studies reveal that housing costs rose 11 percent between 2001 and 2016, and income fell by 2 percent. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the county is approximately $2,000 a month. Today, one in four renters is spending more than 50 percent of their income on housing, sacrificing health care, food and other basic necessities, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Additionally, construction of single- and multifamily housing is at its lowest point since the 1950s. This is creating an affordable housing crisis. Families are caught in a cycle of unpredictable rent increases and high housing costs.

South Shore Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to help individuals break that cycle, so they may purchase a home of their own. To qualify for a South Shore Habitat for Humanity home, a family of four can’t exceed $64,680 per year in income. Habitat’s model of utilizing volunteers, donations and the families’ “sweat equity” hours in building the homes keeps the sale price affordable. Typically, the price is between $160,000 and $185,000 and at 30 percent of the buyer’s income, leaving money for health care, food, education and extracurricular activities for their children.

Housing Critical to Growth

Housing is critical to economic growth and The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has taken on the call to make housing one of its priorities in its comprehensive economic and community development plan, South Shore 2030. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council says that even a modest economic growth of 1 percent would require the South Shore to add 44,000 homes, condominiums and apartments by 2030.

By 2030, the South Shore’s population is projected to grow by 19,000 people, but the population over 65 years old could double, with the number of households headed by seniors increasing from 24 percent of the total to 37 percent.

The MAPC concluded that much more must be done to accommodate families, seniors and the younger generation in their early 20s to mid-30s. This is a demographic that is: still growing into its peak earnings; highly entrepreneurial; eager to start and grow innovative businesses; and are needed to take on civic and business leadership roles. They are vital to our community.

Data from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership shows the myth that housing puts a strain on communities and negatively impacts schools is simply not true. Communities need to create a climate that supports new growth, stronger job creation and public/private collaboration. Community development is essential. An aging population, shrinking job base and longer commute times into Boston will eventually drive down property values across the South Shore.

Boomers Feel Stuck

In Plymouth County, the vacancy rate is 0.7 percent. Area Realtors report that many Baby Boomers are reluctant to downsize and sell their homes because they fear they won’t be able to find the type of smaller housing they both want and can afford. This gridlock is tying up family housing occupied by empty nesters and forcing our young talent to go elsewhere to live and work.

As a region we need to be more creative and look at a greater mix of housing options. The redevelopment of Cordage Park in Plymouth is a good example. A transit-oriented development, it will include a 300-unit apartment complex with amenities and walking access to businesses, retail and restaurants. We need to support and promote housing options within commercial and industrial zones, mixed-use opportunities in existing or vacant retail, and encourage more multifamily housing, including adding auxiliary/in-law units. Together, these developments utilize smarter land use policies and support the reuse and repurposing of iconic or historic buildings.

Like other businesses, South Shore Habitat for Humanity needs to be creative with our housing production. Currently, in conjunction with the town of Duxbury, we are building six townhome-style condos. Three of the townhomes will have Habitat mortgages priced for buyers who make 60 percent of the area median income) and three will be sold with conventional mortgages to buyers making 100 percent of the area median income. This project promotes creative housing solutions to meet two different populations.

Housing is the foundation to preserving and fostering economic growth and a high quality of life on the South Shore.

Martine Taylor is the executive director of South Shore Habitat for Humanity.