Middleboro Review 2: The Pew Charitable Trusts: The human side of America's housing issue

Saturday, June 29, 2024

The Pew Charitable Trusts: The human side of America's housing issue

National Homeownership Month

When it comes to housing affordability, it's crucial to understand more than the numbers.

In this second edition of our special email series, you'll discover stories about real-life implications for people and communities:

🌤️	The market's impact on the American Dream of homeownership.
🏡	How Indigenous communities are experiencing housing challenges.
🔑	How a first-time homebuyer navigated today's complex market—and succeeded.

Keep scrolling 👇

"Americans are struggling."

A family stands in their living room amid moving boxes. The father holds a baby while the mother interacts with the child.

The escalating costs of housing are pushing the dream of homeownership out of reach for many, challenging the balance between the desire for a home and the financial burdens it brings.

READ THE STORY

"Where we call home matters."

Three photos appear side by side. In the left photo, a man, who has a long braid and wears a dark suit and colorful tie, stands in front of a lake bounded by mountains. In the center photo, a smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair and a pink shirt poses against a brick wall. In the right photo, a woman with shoulder-length dark hair wears a flowered top and stands outdoors with blurred trees behind her.

Indigenous communities on Tribal land face unique homeownership challenges, such as satisfying the need for multifamily housing and generational stability.

On Montana's Flathead Reservation, for example, homeownership is viewed through the lens of stewardship, culture, and perseverance.

SEE THE Q&A

QUOTE OF NOTE

"Our Tribal value system is not the same as that of the dominant society. To us, it's less about owning the land and more that we are part of the land."

Tonya Plummer, director of Native American housing programs at Enterprise Community Partners

"This is a systemic problem."

Illustration of a woman kneeling and holding the hands of a child with a backpack. They are surrounded by abstract, colorful buildings in shades of green, blue, and white, set against a green background.

Montana's housing initiatives stand as testaments to the power of community and policy collaboration, creating sustainable solutions for people and the market alike.

One of these solutions has come from housing advocates on Tribal reservations who are helping their communities seek more affordable and culturally appropriate housing.

LISTEN TO PODCAST

"I love having a place that's mine."

A woman, who has wavy blonde hair and wears a black short-sleeved blouse and blue jeans, stands on a walkway in front of a brick apartment building as the sun shines through some tree branches above her. She has a relaxed, confident expression.

Seventy percent of Americans think young adults today have a harder time than their parents' generation did when it comes to buying a home, according to Pew Research Center.

And Ellie Conway, a 25-year-old homebuyer from Rockville, Maryland, is one of them. However, she was able to purchase her first home, thanks to smart financial planning—and the decision to take in roommates to help cover the bills.

WATCH

As National Homeownership Month comes to an end, we remain committed to exploring and sharing the stories that shape our understanding of housing in America.

Stay up to date with our housing policy initiative, where you can find new research and expert insights—and also discuss the broader impact of the housing market on people and communities.

EXPLORE PEW'S WORK

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