Today there is a mismatch between the location of many jobs in metropolitan St. Louis and the location of housing that is affordable for workers who fill those positions. Entry-level and low-wage earners in particular often have a difficult time finding housing close to work.
Choices for these workers include commuting long distances or spending too much of their take-home pay to live closer to work. Other options are to move in with relatives or friends, or even stay in substandard housing or a homeless shelter, although they have steady jobs.
Diversity in housing choices provides more options for people making a range of incomes. Unfortunately, such diversity is often not found in and near job centers in this region. Allowing this situation to continue will hinder workers and corporations in greater St. Louis. Economic advancement will be limited because employers will find it progressively more difficult to attract and retain the variety of employees they need.
Affordable-workforce housing means people who are gainfully employed are able to find decent, safe homes for their families within a reasonable commuting time frame and within their economic means. It is housing that is paid for by the working occupants. As a family’s incomes and housing needs evolve through the years, a diverse housing market enables employed people to simply change homes, not communities.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE TASKFORCE'S WORK:
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For more information on the task force call 314-622-1250.
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