Safe, affordable housing is the springboard to stable communities and thriving families. Here in Placer County, we’re facing a formidable and complex housing environment that has reached crisis proportions.
One of PCF’s key roles is to be a catalyst and connector on issues that create lasting opportunity, prosperity, and a fulfilling life for all. Seeing that affordable housing is a major barrier for families and our local economy, we took action to make a difference. We convened a working group of talented local individuals to make recommendations on a strategic housing vision for the Foundation. This work has culminated in PCF’s first Affordable Housing Strategic Plan.
Why is Affordable Housing a Crisis?
Renters in Placer County need to earn $36.92 per hour, 2.4 times the state minimum wage - to afford the average monthly rent of $1,920.
68% of extremely low-income households in Placer County pay more than half their income on housing compared to only 1% of moderate-income households.
8,360 low-income renter households in Placer have no access to an affordable home.
In 2022, in Placer County, there were only 481 beds available in the interim and permanent housing supply for persons experiencing homelessness.
“PCF has a long history of advocating for personal economic well-being and community prosperity. With the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan, we hope to champion solutions to the housing crisis through identifying needs and staying on track with our partners to meet those needs,” said Veronica Blake, CEO of Placer Community Foundation.
The 10-Year Strategic Plan
Over several months of collaborative deliberation and strategic planning, the Affordable Housing Working Group delved into the complexities of affordable housing, examining the intersection of policy, development, and community needs. Their combined efforts resulted in a Strategic Plan outlining a 2023-2033 roadmap for action. This plan aims to address the housing crisis from multiple angles:
Community Engagement
Educate the community on housing importance.
Utilize market forces for sustainable solutions.
Foster community support and advocate for policy change.
Building Community
Collect and analyze data for informed decision-making.
Link grant giving to housing initiatives.
Support partners with data and expertise.
Forge partnerships with local entities.
Strengthening Capacity
Provide ongoing education for staff and stakeholders.
Define and track housing measures and outcomes.
Foster diverse and inclusive teams.
Advancing Housing
Integrate affordable housing into community development.
Promote diverse housing solutions.
Recognize housing as infrastructure.
Incorporate marginalized voices and seek nontraditional funding.
Thank You Partners
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to the development of this Strategic Plan.
Affordable Housing Work Group
Joanne Auerbach
Richard Azevedo
Veronica Blake
David Boesch
Charlene Daniels
Alan Hersh
Carol Holliman
Terry Holliman
Scott Johnson
Richard Kramer
Kenneth Larson
Bonnie London
James Shelby
Sue Thompson
Larry Welch
Sponsors
US Bank – National Association
Charles and Gail Muskavitch Endowment Fund
Robert Kemp Community Endowment Fund
Sue Thompson and Jaya Perryman Fund
Veronica Blake Fund
Jessica Hubbard
Deborah Dillion
Jesse R. Whitely, DDS
Dan and Anne Runte
Ivette Rothenberg