Spartanburg Housing Summit to convene industry leaders and community members on the topic of Opportunity Housing
May 17, 2019
United Way of the Piedmont will host the Spartanburg Housing Summit on May 30 to educate stakeholders and residents on the importance of housing for all, focusing on local housing data, the social and economic impacts of housing, and innovative strategies for facilitating inclusive growth in the housing market. The Summit is the latest effort by United Way of the Piedmont’s housing work group to drive the community-wide conversation around housing forward.
The Summit is organized and planned by a housing work group that includes the City of Spartanburg, Upstate Forever, Spartanburg Housing Authority, SC Community Loan Fund, TD Bank, and United Way of the Piedmont. The group collaborates on projects and initiatives to increase opportunities for, knowledge of, and access to housing in the City and County of Spartanburg.
Hannah Jarrett, the Director of Financial Stability Strategy at United Way of the Piedmont, says, “For most families, housing costs are their biggest expense. In our community, 43% of renters are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing expenses. 65% of renters are considered low-income, compared to only 30% of homeowners. And while families of all types can be cost burdened, the issue disproportionately affects renters, racial minorities, and households with lower income.”
The Summit will consist of presentations, panels, and keynote speakers on the issues surrounding Opportunity Housing. Opportunity Housing refers to the ability of all residents to live in quality homes and thriving neighborhoods with access to jobs, good schools, healthy food options, medical centers, and transportation. Attendees will learn why housing for all is important to the viability of the City and County of Spartanburg and how they can help create opportunity housing for all.
The Summit’s full agenda, as well as registration for the event can be found by visiting: http://2019spartanburghousingsummit.eventbrite.com
About United Way of the Piedmont
United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that fights for the education, financial stability, and health of every member of our community. Our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We are more than fundraisers. We forge unique partnerships, find new solutions to old problems, and mobilize the best resources by inspiring others to join the fight. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive.
