Affordable housing refers to housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross income, including rent or mortgage payments and utilities. When housing costs exceed this threshold, families may struggle to afford other necessities like food, healthcare, and transportation.

Types of Affordable Housing

  1. Subsidized Housing – Housing that receives financial assistance from the government to reduce costs for low-income households.

    • Public Housing – Owned and operated by local housing authorities, providing low-cost rental units to eligible low-income residents.
    • Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) – A federal program where tenants receive rental assistance to help cover a portion of their rent in privately owned housing.
    • Project-Based Rental Assistance – Similar to Section 8, but tied to specific buildings rather than portable vouchers.

  2. Income-Restricted Housing – Apartments or homes designated for individuals earning below a certain income level, often a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI).

  3. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties – Privately owned housing developments that receive tax credits for offering reduced rents to qualifying tenants.

  4. Workforce Housing – Housing intended for middle-income workers (teachers, nurses, first responders, etc.) who do not qualify for low-income programs but still struggle with high housing costs.

  5. Cooperative Housing (Co-ops) – Residents collectively own and manage housing, keeping costs lower than traditional homeownership or rentals.

  6. Nonprofit and Faith-Based Housing Initiatives – Housing developed by nonprofit organizations, churches, or other groups focused on providing affordable housing options.

  7. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Small apartments or homes built on existing residential properties, offering lower-cost rental options.

Expanding affordable housing options is critical to addressing homelessness and housing instability, particularly in high-cost states like New Hampshire, where rising rents and home prices continue to outpace income growth.

The term “affordable housing” is sometimes considered problematic because it can be misleading, stigmatizing, and politically charged. Here’s why some advocates prefer alternative terms:

1. It’s Too Vague

  • “Affordable” is relative—what’s affordable to one person may not be to another.
  • It doesn’t specify whether it’s for low-income families, middle-income workers, or seniors on fixed incomes.
  • Developers and policymakers sometimes use “affordable housing” to mean housing that is cheaper than luxury units but still out of reach for many.

2. It Carries Stigma

  • Some people associate “affordable housing” with government handouts, crime, or declining property values, even though studies show these fears are largely unfounded.
  • It can create an “us vs. them” mentality, making it harder to gain community support for new housing projects.

3. It’s Politically Loaded

  • Opponents of new housing developments sometimes use “affordable housing” as a scare term to block projects in their neighborhoods (NIMBYism – “Not In My Backyard”).
  • Policymakers may claim to support “affordable housing” while implementing policies that fail to create truly accessible housing for those most in need.

4. It Misses the Bigger Picture

  • The phrase often focuses only on price but ignores housing stability, quality, and accessibility.
  • Advocates prefer terms like “attainable housing,” “workforce housing,” or “equitable housing” to emphasize inclusivity and opportunity.

What’s a Better Alternative?

Instead of “affordable housing,” some use:
✅ “Housing that’s affordable to all income levels”
✅ “Income-based housing”
✅ “Workforce housing” (for middle-income workers)
✅ “Community housing” (to emphasize shared benefits)

Ultimately, the goal is not just affordability but housing security, stability, and dignity for all.