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The Unhoused & Housing: Solution- Modular/Factory-Built Housing

Writer's picture: Dave ClevengerDave Clevenger

In May 2024, I hit the jackpot and met a guy so inspiring, he could make a motivational poster jealous! Enter my superhero husband, Dave, who decided to shake up the housing development world like it was a snow globe. Fueled by his faith in Christ and a burning desire to change the game, Dave took on the colossal mission of tackling California's housing crisis and the shortage of affordable homes. This guy's got problem-solving skills that could rival a Rubik's Cube champion! Back in 2019, he ditched his healthcare administration gig to dive headfirst into providing affordable housing and creating jobs that make people feel like they have a meaningful purpose.

Addressing the issue of housing the homeless has proven to be a challenging endeavor that few are willing to take it on. Before we get into how to fix it, let's explore the current circumstance of the "unhoused." The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report indicates that the homeless population increased to approximately 653,100 people in 2023. This figure excludes those in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or safe haven programs, as well as those residing in places not intended for human habitation. [1] Reflecting on that last statement is truly disheartening. There are individuals with no place to go, no secure place to live, residing in environments not fit for human habitation.

Now lets look a little deeper at the numbers: California represents a staggering 28% of the U.S. homeless population and 49% of the "unsheltered" population. In the state of California, one of the contributing factors to homelessness is a continued increase in the difficulty of finding affordable housing. [1] Don't get me wrong, there are multiple contributing factors. But we are talking about a problem solving approach. Stay with me. Just a few more statistics to keep you hanging on.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, in the last 30 years (from 1990 to 2024), the median value of owner-occupied homes in California has skyrocketed by 56% (from $456,000 to $753,000), while rents have decided to join the party, jumping 39% (from $1,300 to $1,800). [2]

Meanwhile, the US Census Bureau reports that the median household income from 2019-2023 was $96,334. [3] So, let me break it down for you: the typical household earns $8,027 a month. With the average mortgage interest rate lounging around 7% today, the payment for a $753,000 house would be $4,007 (assuming you magically conjure up a 20% down payment, because who doesn't have a spare $150,000 lying around, right?). So, nearly half your paycheck would vanish into the mortgage abyss. And let's spare a thought for those earning less than that each month.

Alrighty then, that's a wrap for math class! Now, let's dive into the wild world of Dave's grand adventure in housing! Picture this: nestled in the bustling metropolis of Fresno, CA, Prefab Innovations is on a mission to tackle the housing and unhoused crisis like a superhero with a toolbelt. They're whipping up affordable homes faster than you can say "SIP panels!" These homes are so eco-friendly, they'd make Mother Nature blush. We're talking net-zero homes, energy-efficient panels, and even off-grid options for the adventurous souls out there. And don't worry, California, they've got you covered from top to bottom! Dave's aiming to sprinkle 10,000 factory-built affordable homes across the state by 2030. And as someone who has seen this man awake at 4 am with determination in his eyes to make a difference in the lives of others, I can tell you he won't stop short of his goal.


Let's work together to make a difference in the housing and unhoused crisis!


 

References

[1] Tanya de S., et al. The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. December 2023. Available at: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2023-AHAR-Part-1.pdf.

Accessed on January 7, 2025. Page 4,


[2] Hans J., Eric M. Three Decades of Housing Challenges in the Golden State. December 3, 2024. Available at: https://www.ppic.org/blog/three-decades-of-housing-challenges-in-the-golden-state/#:~:text=Adjusted%20for%20inflation%2C%20California's%20median,rents%20remain%20about%2050%25%20higher. Accessed on January 7, 2025.


[3] United States Census Bureau. Quick Facts California. Available at: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/CA/INC110223

Accessed January 8, 2025.



Elle Clevenger
Elle Clevenger


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