The Brief
- A Habitat for Humanity survey found 75% of respondents across 22 countries cut spending to afford housing.
- One-third spent less on food, 31% took on extra work and 32% tapped savings or emergency funds.
- In Atlanta, housing pressures are also affecting middle-class families concerned about their children’s ability to afford a home, Habitat’s CEO says.
ATLANTA – Spending less on groceries. Taking on more work. Pulling money from emergency savings. Families are making difficult trade-offs to keep a roof over their heads, according to new research from Habitat for Humanity International.
The report, “Home at What Cost?,” found that 75% of respondents across 22 countries had cut back on at least one expense in the past year to afford housing. The sacrifices extend beyond household budgets, affecting health, financial security and plans for the future.
What families are giving up
What they found:
The survey found 33% of respondents spent less on food or groceries to cover housing costs, while 32% used savings or emergency funds. Another 31% took on additional work. …