Low-Income Residents Unable to Afford Surplus Housing

Avenue and Artspace created live/work space for low-income artists at the Elder Street Lofts.

HOUSTON—The aftermath of Harvey has had a significant impact on Houston’s housing market and there is a growing misconception that the city is well positioned to deal with displaced residents due to the former housing glut. However, this fails to take low-income Houstonians into account, according to affordable housing experts.

According to FEMA data, low-income families in Houston were disproportionately affected by Harvey. Households earning less than $25,000 annually made up the largest group of residents likely affected by flooding and households earning between $25,00 and $49,999 ranked as the second largest group. The loss of naturally occurring affordable housing raises new concerns for these residents, as they face displacement and higher housing costs.