Our Mission Purpose
After 16 years of serving adults with disabilities, Choosing Independence embarked on launching its development arm at the beginning of 2019. Since then, Choosing Independenc.inc has initiated a 37-unit development in Monroe, Louisiana Launched in 2023. A 129-acre project in Edgard Louisiana launched in 2024, and smaller projects in Los Angeles County. These projects are scheduled to break ground in the summer of 2025.
According to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the United States currently faces a significant shortage of affordable rental housing, with a gap of over 7 million units needed for extremely low-income renters, meaning those earning at or below 30% of their area's median income.
Only 34 affordable rental homes available for every 100 extremely low-income renter households nationwide.
Severe cost burden:
- A large portion of extremely low-income renters are "severely cost-burdened," spending more than half their income on housing costs.
- State variations:The availability of affordable housing varies significantly across states, with some regions having a much higher shortage than others.
Impact of minimum wage:
- No state or county currently allows a full-time minimum wage worker to afford a two-bedroom apartment.
Other Factors contributing to low-income housing issues:
Rising housing costs:
- Median rent in many areas has increased significantly faster than median renter income, making affordable housing harder to find.
Limited housing supply:
- A lack of available affordable housing units due to factors like gentrification and limited new construction.
Discriminatory practices:
- Historical practices like redlining have contributed to concentrated poverty in certain neighborhoods, disproportionately affecting minority communities.