Column: Meeting the affordable housing challenge

By Carl Gustin at The Salem News

On June 17, Harvard University reported on the nation’s “shortage of affordable housing.” The same day Harborlight Homes described for a substantial audience of donors and interested parties for plans for two affordable housing projects in Gloucester. It was another step in a challenging but successful decades-long journey to bring affordable, accessible housing to residents in 11 North Shore communities.

The Harvard report was one of many recent accounts pointing to economic inequities that make it difficult for low- and middle-income families to find housing. Harvard researchers found that “nearly half of renter households were cost burdened in 2024, spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing.”

Essex County is not immune.

Data on the Essex County Community Foundation website (ImpactEssexCounty.org) tracking the health of the region found that renters in Essex County spend 39% of household income on rent, which is higher than state and national levels. It also found that “homeownership is becoming increasingly unaffordable.” and housing isn’t the only issue.

Essex County is fortunate to have a diverse and growing economy with an abundance of well-run, highly effective nonprofit organizations that attract thousands of volunteers and donors who give willingly of time and financial resources. Many of these nonprofits collaborate on housing affordability and quality of life issues.

Legislation helps, but it will take more.

A headline in Wedenesday’s New York Times announced, “Housing package passed by Congress has wide appeal, but it’s no quick fix.” It follows passage two years ago in Massachusetts of the Affordable Homes Act providing more than $5 billion to develop affordable housing and zoning reforms.

Washington and Boston are paying attention. But the action is in cities and towns where nonprofits address multiple issues affecting housing and the quality of life.

Nonprofits get results.

Nonprofits are doing their part. The Harborlight event and another a week earlier by Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) are examples. Both events highlighted the value of meaningful collaboration among nonprofits, community and business leaders, and donors. The two organizations reflect the work of hundreds of nonprofits throughout the county.

Harborlight Homes CEO Andrew DeFranza, addressing a large gathering in Gloucester, described two affordable housing projects under development in Gloucester. One will provide 29 units for seniors in cooperation with the Gloucester Housing Authority. The other will provide 62 units for families once the complex process of design, funding, permitting and construction are complete.

Beverly-based Harborlight’s impacts are felt in 11 communities. DeFranza, who holds master’s degrees in community economic development and theology and ethics, says Harborlight’s real estate goals are to make housing economically feasible for both developers and occupants. The organization provides continuing support for economic stability through staff resident service coordinators and partnerships with, for example, Pathways for Children for early education and The Open Door for food stability.

ECCF on June 11 hosted some 500 people from throughout the North Shore at Endicott College in Beverly to discuss the “State of Essex County.” ECCF president and CEO Stratton Lloyd stressed the theme “stronger together” as he talked about “inspiring philanthropy … that creates long-lasting, meaningful change.”

Lloyd, who draws on his years as an information technology senior executive and a Harvard MBA, has seen a four-fold increase in ECCF’s growth. He’s taking a “systems-based approach … centering the community’s voice, piloting innovative approaches and leveraging longer-term philanthropic investments.” One example is a 5-year, $4 million multi-community commitment “to collaboratively build resilience, prepare for climate-related disasters and to innovate for long-term sustainability and prosperity.”

Is there more that can be done?

Ask any head of a nonprofit and they’ll likely say yes. They know they’re making a positive impact, but they also know that challenges are great and growing. As the New York Times noted about the legislation, “it’s no quick fix.”

ECCF brought together people from throughout the country for its June 11 event. Harborlight’s June 17 event in Gloucester was more focused. But both exemplify how nonprofits engage supporters, identify concerns, review progress and ask, “what more can we or should we do?” and “are there better ways?”

Perhaps it’s time for a wider discussion among experts who study housing and affordability, and the leaders of organizations such as ECCF and Harborlights who see the issues firsthand. Also included could be regional and local governments that focus on community development, and major employers and Chambers of Commerce that understand the implications for employee recruitment and retention.

A starting point might be a structured day-long symposium leading off with the experts and professionals most familiar with breadth and depth of the issues followed by interactive sessions built around defined topics. Bringing together diverse perspectives and encouraging thoughtful engagement often helps advance knowledge leading to better outcomes. It’s worth a try.

Carl Gustin is an Essex County resident and columnist and retired corporate and government communication executive.