Agenda - Council - 10/26/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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HeadingHome ANOKA A regional initiative to end homelessness What's Needed to End Homelessness? • Understanding that homelessness exists in all regions, including suburban and rural locations, and that it can be ended • Community solutions involving business, public, and philanthropic sectors; non - profit organizations; communities of faith; and private individuals • Supportive services and accessible treatment opportunities • Housing that is safe and affordable o According to HousingLink's hSum Report (2009), Anoka County needs 70% more rental assistance opportunities to provide housing for all households earning less than $25,000 per year. There are about 13,800 households earning less than $25k per year and only about 4,126 rental assistance opportunities available and in use. • Opportunities to have adequate income o According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2- bedroom apartment in Anoka County is $899 per month. A household would need to earn $2,997 monthly or $35,960 yearly to afford this level of rent and utilities. Assuming a 40 -hour work week, 52 weeks per year, that is the equivalent of $17.29 per hour. o In Anoka County, a minimum wage worker earns $7.25 per hour. In order to afford a 2- bedroom apartment at the FMR ($899), the minimum wage worker would need to work 95 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. o In Anoka County, the average wage for a renter is $10.78 per hour. In order to afford a 2- bedroom apartment at the FMR ($899), the renter would need to work 64 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. o In Anoka County, the monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment for an individual is $674. If SSI is a person's sole source of income, they could pay a monthly rent of $202 to be considered affordable (does not cost more than 30% of monthly income). The FMR for a 1- bedroom apartment is currently $741 per month.