Do you remember your childhood thoughts of what your adult home would be like? The designs we imagined likely came from what we’d grown up around, what we saw on tv, or something futuristic like the Jetsons. We romanticized multiple stories stacked atop a basement bursting with fun and a huge backyard; Barbie Dreamhouse rivals; and big city penthouse living. No matter what we envisioned home to be, we all knew we’d have one just as simply as we breathed. Our homes would be affordable, and a place of safety and comfort.

Unfortunately, for many of us, our lived adult experiences aren’t panning out to be what we imagined in childhood. Even when we take the mansion blueprints off the table, it’s still a rough reality. Many Nashville residents have first hand experience with the housing market outpacing a liveable wage, skyrocketing rental prices, and the unchecked greed of corporate landlords displacing our neighbors.

Who is responsible for fixing it, and how do we use our power to make them care enough to do it?

Metro Nashville – Davidson County will soon have a new mayor and city council. These elected officials will make important decisions that impact the lives of residents, especially when it comes to housing. While Nashville’s housing crisis is layered, interconnected, and complex, it is not impossible to solve.

Stand Up Nashville presents, “Home Is Where You Can Afford It: Nashville’s Affordable Housing Crisis”, a thought provoking newsletter housing series covering:

• The history and present day challenges of the housing crisis
• Solutions from policymakers, activists, and residents
• Personal housing insecurity stories
• Buzzwords and jargon

Regardless of socioeconomic status, everyone should have an affordable home. Our series will guide you in clearly recognizing how the past is relevant to today’s housing challenges, and uncover the power of everyday people to collaboratively ensure a better housing future for all.

As you read the weekly series, reflect and ask questions. Then share it with your friends, family, and networks. Affordable housing will not be achieved by one person, office, or policy alone. It takes all of us.