Gateway Collective’s inclusive housing model offers hope to residents near poverty line – WLUK

Affordable Housing Initiative in Downtown Green Bay

Introduction

In Downtown Green Bay, while luxury developments are on the rise, many residents face challenges in affording rent. The Gateway Collective, a local non-profit organization, is addressing this issue by providing affordable housing options for renters living just above the poverty line.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 1: No Poverty – Targeting individuals earning around $18 per hour who do not qualify for federal assistance.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Developing socially inclusive housing models in urban areas.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Supporting low- to moderate-income renters through affordable housing and financial empowerment programs.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Assisting working-class individuals to secure stable housing and improve economic stability.

City Center Lofts: A Socially Inclusive Housing Model

The Gateway Collective’s first socially inclusive housing project, City Center Lofts, has been operational for nearly a year. It offers affordable rental units designed to support individuals who earn too much to qualify for government assistance but still struggle with housing costs.

Resident Experience and Support Programs

1. Simplified Rent Payments: Residents benefit from a single, consistent monthly payment that covers rent and utilities, reducing financial stress.
2. Resident Investment Program: A program that allocates 10% of rent payments towards a fund that residents can use as a down payment on a home after their lease ends.
3. Credit Building Assistance: Support is provided to help residents build credit, facilitating future homeownership opportunities.

Sheena Hinez, a resident since March, shared her positive experience with the program and her goal to purchase a home after her lease concludes.

Housing Availability and Income Distribution

City Center Lofts consists of 72 units with the following income-based allocation:

• 30% of units reserved for individuals earning 50% to 60% of the area’s median income.
• 30% of units reserved for individuals earning 60% to 100% of the area’s median income.
• 40% of units reserved for individuals earning 100% or more of the area’s median income.

Currently, almost half of the units are available for rent. Interested applicants can view available units at the following links:

• 216 Northland Ave. #279
• 216 Northland Ave. #204

Conclusion

The Gateway Collective’s City Center Lofts project exemplifies a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by providing affordable, inclusive housing solutions that empower residents economically and socially. This initiative addresses critical urban challenges related to poverty, inequality, and sustainable community development in Green Bay.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article highlights the struggles of renters living just above the poverty line who do not qualify for federal assistance, addressing poverty reduction.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The Gateway Collective’s socially inclusive housing model aims to reduce inequalities by providing affordable housing options to working-class individuals.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The development of affordable housing in Downtown Green Bay contributes to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The focus on renters earning around $18/hour relates to promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 1 – Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
2. SDG 10 – Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of income level.
3. SDG 11 – Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
4. SDG 8 – Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator for SDG 1.2: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, which is implied by the focus on renters just above the poverty line without federal assistance.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of people living below 50-60% of area median income housed in affordable units, reflecting social inclusion efforts.
• Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in affordable housing units, as shown by the 72-unit building with specified income brackets for renters.
• Indicator for SDG 8.5: Employment income levels (e.g., $18/hour) and access to decent work, implied by the focus on working-class renters.
• Additional implied indicator: Number of residents participating in the Resident Investment Program and successfully transitioning to homeownership, measuring economic empowerment and housing stability.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: fox11online.com