REGIONAL DISCUSSION FORUM MAKING HOUSING MATTER IN WEST VIRGINIA 1

WHY DOES HOUSING MATTER? When you think of housing, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? “Home, mortgage payments, family, rest, relaxation” 2

WHY DOES HOUSING MATTER? When you think of housing, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? 3 But did you think of... EducationPhysical HealthEconomic Opportunity Self Sufficiency Mental Health Asset Building

WHY DOES HOUSING MATTER? 4

Adequate housing plays an integral role in the well being and prosperity of WV’s individuals, families, and communities. When done well, it has the potential to provide an essential springboard for households all across the state to improve their economic situation and contribute to their communities. With the proper investments, it can play a crucial role in the economic vitality and resilience of West Virginia’s communities, stimulating economic activity, creating jobs, and fostering neighborhood stability. 5

WHY DOES HOUSING MATTER? 6 Residential moves—especially moves that are frequent, during key educational time periods, or by non-intact families—have also been shown to negatively impact students. Impoverished children who move three or more times prior to turning six years old demonstrate increased behavior and attention problems

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & EDUCATION Affordable housing impacts the lowest income families in a profound, but simple way. Affordable housing decreases the number of disruptive moves for low income families, helping students perform better in school Some Affordable Housing and Mobility Policies May Help Families Move to Communities with Higher Quality Schools. -Affordable Housing Can Reduce Homelessness Among Families with Children 7

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & EDUCATION Low-income families with particularly high and particularly low cost burdens are less likely to spend money on goods and services that benefit child development while parents in the middle of the cost burden distribution appear the most likely to spend on child enrichment. 8

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & EDUCATION Low-income families with particularly high and particularly low cost burdens are less likely to spend money on goods and services that benefit child development while parents in the middle of the cost burden distribution appear the most likely to spend on child enrichment. 9

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & HEALTH 10 Quality housing is associated with positive physical and mental well-being

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & HEALTH How homes are designed, constructed, and maintained, their physical characteristics, and the presence or absence of safety devices have many effects on injury, illness, and mental health. Housing free of hazards, such as secondhand smoke, pests, carbon monoxide, allergens, lead, and toxic chemicals, helps prevent disease and other health problems. Housing that meets universal design standards allows people, including those with disabilities and older adults, to live safely in their homes. 11

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & ECONOMIC SECURITY 12

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & ECONOMIC SECURITY In many affordable housing programs, families are required to engage in programmatic functions and decision making processes with their partnering organization. Intensive coaching toward self-sufficiency goals helps the brain strengthen its capacity to follow through, make decisions, and perform other executive functions. Through this decision building process, families achieve higher employment potential, resulting in higher income, savings, assets, graduation rates, and homeownership opportunities. 13

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & ECONOMIC GROWTH 14

THE LINK BETWEEN HOUSING & ECONOMIC GROWTH 15

MAKING HOUSING MATTER IN WV The West Virginia Housing Policy Group, comprised of dedicated individuals representing a wide range of housing related entities, has developed a comprehensive housing policy framework for West Virginia. Coordinated through Community Works in West Virginia and supported by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the group completed the necessary research and analysis and released the framework in September

MAKING HOUSING MATTER IN WV The framework helps ensure that policy responses to West Virginia’s housing issues are linked to form a cohesive and comprehensive strategy. The HPG is implementing the framework recommendations through research, education, and public policy. The framework will continue to evolve in response to changing opportunities or new issues that emerge. 17

Guiding Principles THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE FRAMEWORK Housing is an Essential Component of Community and Economic Success and Growth All West Virginian’s Should Have Access to Adequate, Safe, and Affordable Housing Comprehensive Housing Policy is an Urgent Need Housing Policy Must Be Built on Effective Partnerships and Coordinated Efforts across All Stakeholder Groups 18

POLICY FRAMEWORK GOALS 1. Raise the importance of housing 2. Increase resources for housing development preservation and rehabilitation 3. Promote statewide planning, coordination, and integration of housing with other state improvements. 4. Increase the quality and quantity of West Virginia’s housing stock. 5. Ensure that West Virginia can meet the housing needs of its senior, special needs, and homeless population. 19

QUESTIONS & CONTACT INFORMATION Evan Zuverink Community Mortgage Loan Officer First Commonwealth Bank NMLS # (724)