AFFORDABLE HOUSING FACTS
Over 50% of Encinitas workforce is eligible for affordable housing. Almost 30% of Encinitas residents are eligible for affordable housing
There are currently 475 households on our city’s waiting list for Section 8 Rental Assistance. The wait time is 10 years! There are no vacancy and long wait lists at our existing affordable housing apartment homes.
The State of California requires all cities, including Encinitas to accommodate its fair share of regional housing needs for all income levels which includes 838 affordable apartment-homes for low and very low-income singles and families.
Why do we need Affordable Housing in Encinitas?
Between 2010-2023, rents have doubled while renter income gains have fallen far behind, causing financial hardship.
Over half of Encinitas renters are rent burdened meaning they pay more than 30% of their income for housing.
Renters need to earn over $45/hour to afford median rents.
Minimum wage: $16.00
Home Healthcare Workers earn: $16.23
Retail Salespersons earn: $18.63
Medical Assistants earn: $21.62
See the SAN DIEGO COUNTY 2023 Affordable Housing Needs Report (pdf).
The effect: Our Seniors, and Workforce even with multiple jobs, are having to make impossible choices:
Rent or Food
Rent or Medication
Rent or School Supplies
Rent or Car Repairs
Our citywide workforce faces long commute times, which creates traffic congestion and pollution for all of us.
Building affordable homes will:
Begin to house our essential workers and seniors.
Demonstrate the high quality and attractiveness of housing that is both financially and operationally sustainable.
Enhance community character and help re-establish economic diversity in our neighborhoods
“Imagine bringing together those deserving, dedicated seniors and workers who would deepen and strengthen neighborhood ties while capturing the very essence and friendly, hometown DNA of Encinitas. ”
March 3, 2018