GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Anna Blanchard says she usually receives two to three phone calls a week from people who are looking for housing they can afford.
“It’s stressful if you’re spending 50% or more of your income on housing … That is the reality of many families in our city,” she said.
Blanchard works in the City of Greensboro Housing & Neighborhood Development Department as a multifamily development analyst.
She’s worked in that role since Jan. 2023.
Blanchard is part of a team that makes sure the city’s timeline for building affordable housing stays on track.
She says a critical part of her role is translating regulations for developers and nonprofits to ensure projects are in compliance.
The City of Greensboro’s affordable housing developments Blanchard has been involved with are Townsend Trace, The Lofts at Elmsley Crossing, Yanceyville Place and the rehabilitation project at Southwoods on Columbus Street.
“These apartments are priced based on income levels … What can someone sustainably afford and their housing not be more than 30 percent of their gross wages?” Blanchard said.