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A Down Payment With a Catch: You Must Be an Airbnb Host

Tara Siegel Bernard

September 18, 2017 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

A Seattle-based entrepreneur has a creative idea to help people buy their first homes: give them money for a down payment, provided that they pay the money back by listing an extra room in their homes on Airbnb. Though unconventional, the enterprise (called Loftium), aims to help people overcome the hurdle of paying a large down payment. It is hoping to make home ownership accessible to people all across the country.

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This Kansas City neighborhood wrote the blueprint for transforming a community

Nikhil Swaminathan

July 25, 2017 |

Grist |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Kansas City, Missouri

The Kansas City neighborhood of Ivanhoe was once plagued by blight, illegal dumping, drug trade, gun violence, and neglect; neighbors lived in fear or moved away. Inspired by one compassionate and proactive family, the Youngs, the community stepped up, partnering with the local university and a charitable foundation to map out a tangible blueprint for sustainable change. They are working with police and the city council to tackle the blight and revive their neighborhood through affordable housing, park space, and a renewed sense of community.

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Tiny houses on the rise in Maine to solve cost and environment problems

Marina Schauffler

June 25, 2017 |

Portland Press Herald |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Rockport, Maine

In an economy where even employed individuals are unable to find affordable housing, a few initiatives - such as Habitat for Humanity in Maine - are creatively responding to this challenge. Tiny homes offer a dignified, affordable, and accessible solution to housing for individuals and families that would otherwise not be able to find affordable housing.

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Colo County Offers Housing Comparison

Chris Rourke

June 15, 2017 |

Gunnison Country Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Breckenridge, Colorado

As second-home owners increase property values and decrease the supply of residences in Gunnison County, its year-round community faces a dwindling affordable housing stock. Nearby, a popular tourist town of Breckenridge in neighboring Summit County has been able to deliver a measurable increase in affordable homes. The Gunnison County Housing Authority is following Summit's goal-oriented, community-driven solution, and turning to residents to form a community plan and vision.

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No-go zone? Here's how one of Sweden's roughest areas edged out its drug gangs

Emma Löfgren

June 07, 2017 |

The Local |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Sweden, Malmö

The Seved district of Malmö, Sweden used to be one of the roughest in the nation, with drug crime and gang violence making the neighborhood uninhabitable for many and preventing basic services, such as the post, from functioning. Thanks to a community-wide effort in collaboration with local police, the district has been able to turn things around, booting out crooked landlords, cleaning up streets and buildings, and pressuring the gangs away.

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Detroit's DIY Cure for Urban Blight

Erick Trickey

May 18, 2017 |

Politico |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

In an attempt to come back from bankruptcy, the city of Detroit created the country's largest land bank to facilitate the demolition of blighted houses around the city. The land bank helps dilapidated homes find new owners willing to pick up the pieces.

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Employers Add ‘a Cheap Place to Live' to List of Staff Perks

Rupert Jones

May 07, 2017 |

The Guardian |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: England, London

For publishing companies located in major metropolises, housing costs can present a significant challenge to successfully recruiting and retaining staff. To address this issue, the Hachette and Penguin Random House publishing groups have created initiatives to provide interns with subsidized housing. Working with the Book Trade Charity—which has traditionally provided subsidized housing for retirees from the publishing industry—these publishing groups have invested in the refurbishment of apartments and are offering them at below market rate to applicants selected for internship programs.

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Catholic Charities: Taking a holistic approach to address food insecurity

Emily Dech

May 04, 2017 |

Richland Source |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Mansfield, Ohio

Food security has increasingly become an issue for many families across the country, as economic instability and other factors contribute to the rising costs of living. Catholic Charities in Mansfield is taking a more comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges of food security. They provide a food bank that offers the needy the option to choose foods that suit their lifestyle and needs, in addition to support services such as housing and medical assistance, and financial and career workshops that can help break the cycle of poverty long-term.

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In Twin Cities, Habitat's regional effort packs a powerful punch

James E. Causey

April 27, 2017 |

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Shakopee, Minnesota

Habitat for Humanity is a well-known "sweat equity" program, where low-income renters can help to build the homes they will eventually own. Usually, they are tightly focused on one area, building houses in the neighborhoods where people already live as they do in Milwaukee. The Minneapolis and St. Paul branches are trying something new: a regional approach that allows participants to choose where they want to live so they can also benefit from safer neighborhoods and better schools.

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Eugene's Tiny House Experiment Expands To Emerald Village

Rachael McDonald

April 20, 2017 |

NPR |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Eugene, Oregon

Almost 4 years ago, Opportunity Village was established in Eugene. It’s a community of tiny houses for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

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