Prince William County is experiencing a housing shortage crisis. As part of the County update to the Comprehensive Plan, the County consultants forecast a shortage of 19,000 housing units if nothing changes in current housing zoning and density policies.
VOICE – Did You Know?
In the last three years, the average home listing prices in Prince William County increased from $422K to $526K. Currently there is roughly one home on the market for every five perspective buyers. Home ownership is often out of reach for our teachers, nurses, fire and police officers, social workers and persons who serve the county in critical ways. More than 50% of county renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing. A recent statewide review of affordable housing showed Prince William is short at least 8,800 affordable rentals units. St. Francis VOICE has been working with other faith communities to learn more about this critical issue.
Why it’s important.
In Catholic teaching, housing is not a commodity, but a basic human right. Pope John Paul II notes that “a house is much more than a roof over one’s head.” It is “a place where a person creates and lives out his or her life.” People who serve the needs of a community should be able to live there as well. A community is healthier when there is housing for all citizens, which includes moderate, affordable options and a mix of alternatives; townhomes, duplexes, multi-family units, as well as single family homes.
“The lack of safe, affordable housing requires a renewed commitment to increase the supply of quality housing and to preserve, maintain, and improve existing housing through public/private partnerships, especially with religious groups and community organizations.”
–USCCB, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, 2011
Go Deeper
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is in process of updating the county’s comprehensive plan, Pathway to 2040, which includes a chapter on housing which proposes the policies the County will adopt going forward. The plan will most likely be voted upon in May. The County needs input from the stakeholders in the community who see housing for all citizens as a priority.
Have you or someone in your family been directly impacted by the lack of affordable housing options in the County as either a renter or home buyer? Write your supervisor now and let them know housing affordability is a priority! https://www.pwcva.gov/department/board-county-supervisors
Want to get involved in this important issue? Contact us!
Learn More with Facts and Figures.