On this episode, we’re talking about housing. Shelter ranks right at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. But in Wilmington–like in many places in the nation–finding affordable housing is difficult, if not impossible. 

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Housing is considered affordable when it doesn’t exceed more than 30 percent of household income. Families that spend more are considered cost-burdened. Thirty-two percent of households in New Hanover County are cost-burdened.

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We’ll start with a conversation with Rachel LaCoe, workforce housing planner with New Hanover County. We talk about the state of affordable housing and some of the things the county is doing to address the issue, including a comprehensive study due later this year. Then, we’ll talk with Steve Spain, executive director of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity works with families and individuals in need of a decent, affordable place to live. The Cape Fear Chapter was founded in 1987. The first house was built in 1989. Steve talks about the need for a housing bond, the cost of money, and why Wilmington needs to build up. Finally, we’ll talk with Katrina Redmon, chief executive officer of the Wilmington Housing Authority. She talks about the housing authority’s mission and the resilience and entrepreneurship she sees in the public housing communities daily.