Misconceptions about affordable housing are widespread, with many citizens associating it with large, distressed public housing projects in central cities. However, plenty of public housing authorities in communities around the nation, large and small, are well-managed and have decent units. Furthermore, public housing is only one type of affordable housing.

 "Affordable housing” refers to privately owned housing that receives a subsidy to bring its rent or purchase price down to a level affordable to a low-or moderate-income family. Except for the subsidy, affordable housing is indistinguishable from market-rate housing—it has the same architectural and landscaping styles, and often has basic amenities like energy efficient appliances and community gathering spaces. Substandard housing is, by definition, not affordable housing.

Affordable Housing Reduces Taxpayers Expenses

• Affordable, community-based housing for seniors and people with disabilities is about one-third of the cost of institutional care.
• Chronically homeless persons often cycle through jails, hospitals, and other crisis services. Permanent supportive housing for this high-need population can reduce taxpayer costs by about $20,000 per person per year.
• Affordable housing can improve the health and educational outcomes of low-income families and children, reducing the public costs associated with illness and poor school performance.

Affordable Housing Boosts the Economy

• Money spent on affordable housing construction and rehabilitation has a ripple effect on local economies. Contractors and suppliers spend money on materials and labor, and workers spend their earnings locally.