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National Poverty Awareness Month – Highlighting Housing Challenges in Michigan

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January is National Poverty Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the pervasive challenges of poverty in our communities and take action to address them. Poverty affects every facet of a person’s life, but perhaps no issue is more urgent or impactful than housing. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is foundational to a person’s well-being, yet for many Michiganders, this remains an elusive goal.



The Landscape of Poverty and Housing in Michigan

Poverty is a persistent issue in Michigan, impacting individuals and families in both urban and rural areas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 13.7% of Michigan’s population lives below the poverty line—a rate higher than the national average of 11.6%. Among those affected, children and seniors are particularly vulnerable. In some counties, the poverty rate exceeds 20%, revealing deep economic disparities within the state.


Housing instability is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. In Michigan, nearly 1 in 7 households spend more than 50% of their income on housing, leaving little room for other essential expenses like food, healthcare, and transportation. This severe cost burden places families at risk of eviction or homelessness. On a single night in 2023, more than 8,000 Michiganders were experiencing homelessness, including over 2,000 children, according to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).


The availability of affordable housing is another significant barrier. A 2022 report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that Michigan has a shortage of more than 200,000 affordable and available rental homes for households earning at or below the poverty line. For every 100 extremely low-income renter households, only 37 affordable rental units are available. These stark numbers underscore the urgent need for systemic solutions to address housing insecurity.


Jimmy Carter’s Legacy in Fighting Poverty and Housing Inequality

When discussing poverty and housing, it is impossible to ignore the profound impact of former President Jimmy Carter, so much of which has been highlighted following his recent passing. Throughout his life, Carter was a tireless advocate for social justice, with a particular focus on alleviating poverty. His belief in the dignity of every human being and his commitment to service have inspired millions worldwide.


One of Carter’s most enduring contributions is his partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Together with his wife, Rosalynn, Carter spent decades working on Habitat builds, hammering nails, raising walls, and meeting the families whose lives have been transformed by affordable housing. Since the Carter Work Project began in 1984, it has helped build and repair over 4,000 homes in 14 countries. Carter’s hands-on involvement and his ability to galvanize public attention have elevated the issue of affordable housing to a global stage.


The Intersection of Poverty and Housing Solutions

Housing is more than just a roof over one’s head; it is a platform for economic stability, health, and education. Stable housing allows children to succeed in school, improves health outcomes, and provides a foundation for families to build better futures. For those living in poverty, affordable housing can be a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of economic hardship.


Organizations like Habitat for Humanity play a critical role in addressing the housing crisis. In Michigan, Habitat affiliates work tirelessly to provide affordable homeownership opportunities, repair existing homes, and advocate for policies that promote housing equity. These efforts are driven by the belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live.


How You Can Make a Difference

Poverty Awareness Month is not only a time to reflect but also a call to action. Here are some ways you can contribute to the fight against poverty and housing insecurity in Michigan:


  1. Volunteer: Join a local Habitat for Humanity build or home repair project. Your time and effort can directly impact families in need.

  2. Donate: Financial contributions help organizations like Habitat for Humanity expand their reach and impact. Even small donations can make a big difference.

  3. Advocate: Contact your local and state representatives to support policies that promote affordable housing and address systemic poverty, including protective policies around small dollar lending (“payday loans”) that target low-income population and perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

  4. Educate: Share information about poverty and housing issues with your friends, family, and community. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.


Moving Forward Together

As we observe National Poverty Awareness Month, let us honor the legacy of leaders like Jimmy Carter by committing to action. The fight against poverty and housing insecurity requires collective effort—from individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies alike. Together, we can build a future where every Michigander has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and stable home.


By focusing on the root causes of poverty and addressing housing as a critical need, we can transform lives and strengthen communities across Michigan. This January, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone has a decent place to call home.

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