Survey: Three Out of Four Americans Fear Losing Their Housing

Optimism about the economy was in very short supply in a new survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by the NHP Foundation, a not-for-profit provider of service-enriched affordable housing. The new survey found that 75 percent of those polled expressed concern about losing their housing, with 30 percent identifying themselves as “very concerned” about a friend or relative losing their housing.

The survey also found 65 percent of respondents self-identifying as “cost-burdened” when it came to housing, with nearly 40 percent acknowledging the fear that job loss will lead to loss of housing. Other triggers that could lead to a loss of housing included the perceived lack of affordable options (28 percent), increased rents (24 percent) and retirement (21 percent).

But while 80 percent of respondents welcomed the concept of affordable housing and 40 percent believed “everyone deserves” it, 20 percent stated they were unlikely to welcome the development and construction of affordable housing in their neighborhoods.

“It all starts with housing,” said NHP Foundation President and CEO Dick Burns. “Without the underpinning of a secure place to live, it’s nearly impossible for an individual or head of household to find and keep a job and provide for themselves and their loved ones.”