40. Community Need Our community is in need of safe and affordable housing for the working poor, a robust workforce, especially in the skilled trades, and long-term solutions for those battling addictions who seek to regain their health. Emerge addresses these needs through innovative treatment programs, recovery housing, and vocational pathways all under one roof. In 120 days, nearly 65 men representing ten counties of Ohio have entered our doors and are on a path to self-sufficient, purpose-filled lives, and lasting change for themselves, their families, and the community.

While our 45 acre campus is the starting phase for our residents to regain their health and make connections to certifications and good paying jobs in the skilled trades, we know those we serve will need to re-enter society and affordable housing options are limited in our community. Revive Place will fill an important need on their paths to becoming contributing members of society and their family's self-sufficiency.

We also realize that 18.5% of Xenia residents live below the poverty level, which is greater than that for many Ohioans. For those struggling to provide for their basic needs and those on a positive path in their recovery, safe and affordable housing allows individuals to better focus on other aspects of their lives, such as education, employment, and personal well-being.

The goal of this project is to support the lower middle class to keep them out of poverty. According to the Center for Housing Policy 54% of America’s “working poor” (7.5 million households) pay over half their incomes on housing. This issue has only grown in just that last few years. A recent Dayton Daily News article (October 23, 2023) shared that high rent prices continue to be a burden impacting the pockets of many Americans. According to housing experts, the national median rent is currently 23 percent higher compared to just 3 years ago. Average rent for Xenia is around 800-dollars for a one-bedroom apartment.

For individuals earning more than $33,050 and a couple earning more than $37,750, they make “too much” money to qualify for section 8 housing. Through graduated rent, tenants would pay no more than 25% of their income toward housing costs. For a single person, the rent for a 1-bedroom apartment would be in the $690 range and for a couple, the rent for a 2-bedroom apartment would be in the $785 range. Average rent for Xenia is around $800 for a one-bedroom apartment. In the event that tenants move up in their earnings, their options for housing will expand, and they can move on from Revive Place to consider larger apartments or home ownership.

Permanent affordable housing is a key tool in the fight against homelessness, which plagues many former foster youth. As Emerge builds their programming for emancipated youth, affordable housing is a definite need to position them for success in their adult lives. Affordable housing can help individuals and families escape the cycle of homelessness, which not only improves their lives but also reduces the burden on social services and emergency shelters. Some studies have shown that stable housing can lead to a reduction in certain types of crimes in a community, as it provides people with a sense of security and belonging. Communities with a supply of affordable housing are often more resilient to economic downturns. When housing costs are manageable, residents are better equipped to weather financial challenges.