Housing affordability Archives - Brain Dumping in Old Age

Real-life Stories of Housing Struggles in Jefferson County

By Jim Bauman December 31, 2022Neighborhood WatchHousing affordability, Section 8 housing, Shepherdstown

When a community aspires to raising its standard of living, it can put the housing needs of people who fall below that standard in jeopardy. They can find it hard to locate affordable housing. This is beginning to happen in several communities in Jefferson County, affecting particularly young people.

Housing as the Lynchpin of a Social Safety Net

By Jim Bauman December 31, 2022Neighborhood WatchAmerican Community Survey, Charles Town, Coalition to End Homelessness, Housing affordability, JC Community Ministries

Jefferson County has a problem in making housing affordable for residents who are cost burdened by the ACS definition. Housing in the county is more expensive than elsewhere in the state and low-income people are being priced out. This article considers a plan the city of Charles Town produced to address the problem.