Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Workforce Housing Coalition help me get affordable housing?

The Workforce Housing Coalition is a non-profit association that advocates for affordable housing for the workforce in San Luis Obispo County.  The WHC does not directly provide housing.  The coalition advocates for and mobilizes communities to support housing policies and projects that will result in housing that is more affordable to working families.

What is the Workforce Housing Coalition?

Volunteers -- who organized the May 31, 2003, Celebration of Community Housing Tour -- formed the Workforce Housing Coalition to take the next step toward creating more moderately priced homes in San Luis Obispo County.  That next step is to advocate for well-designed, higher-density housing that is affordable to the local workforce by mobilizing organizations and individuals to encourage and support suitable projects.  Supporters of the WHC include housing advocates, community groups, and non-profit and for-profit housing providers.

Why was the Workforce Housing Coalition set up?

The WHC was set up to build community support for well-designed, higher-density housing that is attractive and affordable to the workforce.  High housing costs mean that workers cannot afford to live in the communities where they work, contributing to long commute times, traffic congestion, air pollution, and a lack of community identification.  We believe that creating housing that gives workers a chance to live nearer to their jobs builds stronger communities by giving them more time to spend with their families and in community activities.  The WHC seeks to mobilize grass-roots support for housing policies and projects that support this goal.  

Does the Workforce Housing Coalition build or provide housing, raise money for housing, help people find homes, or support a particular group?

The WHC does not support a particular group or organization.  It does not provide housing, raise money for housing, or help people find homes.  The WHC is an advocacy organization that promotes affordable housing by mobilizing community support for policies and projects that further the WHC mission and qualify for WHC endorsement.

Why should I join the Workforce Housing Coalition?

High housing costs have resulted in families and businesses moving out of San Luis Obispo County, schools cutting staff and teachers because of reduced enrollments, a growing gap between rich and poor, substandard housing for far too many county residents, and traffic congestion and increased pollution as workers travel further and further to their jobs.  Organizations and individuals concerned about what high housing costs mean for our county in terms of economic prosperity, demographics, environmental impact, and community well-being should join the WHC to make their voices heard.  Those who join the WHC will be informed of opportunities to support policies and projects that will bring more well-designed, moderately priced housing to our communities.  They will be alerted to public meetings where they can speak in support of housing and informed about other ways in which they make their views known to those who make the decisions about housing in our communities.

Is the Workforce Housing Coalition supported by local government?

The Workforce Housing Coalition does not receive financial support from local government.  The WHC interacts with local government at all levels to advocate for housing for the workforce.

Does the Workforce Housing Coalition support smart growth?

The WHC supports housing that is affordable to the workforce and that builds communities by including a variety of housing types and sizes to serve a range of family and economic situations.  We support housing that includes or is near community services, infrastructure and activities (work, shopping, recreation, schools), that promotes public transit and alternative transportation choices, and that is designed to be pedestrian friendly.  We support the effective use of land by building housing that increases density where appropriate, is constructed in or adjacent to existing developed areas, and minimizes space devoted to surface parking. Our endorsement criteria page provides complete details on what projects can qualify.

Where does funding for the Workforce Housing Coalition come from?

The WHC does limited fundraising.  It is an entirely volunteer organization.  Personnel and financial support come from the organizations that are supporters of the WHC.

Is the Workforce Housing Coalition a developers’ organization?

The WHC is a broad-based coalition.  The Homebuilders Association of the Central Coast, the SLO County Builders Exchange, and the San Luis Obispo Realtors Association are supporters.  Other supporters include the Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo, the SLO County Housing Trust Fund, Habitat for Humanity for San Luis Obispo County, the Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation, and the League of Women Voters.  The WHC is committed to our communities, not to any particular interest group.

What is the relationship between the Workforce Housing Coalition and the Housing Authority, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, and other non-profit housing providers?

Non-profit housing providers such as Peoples’ Self-Help Housing and the Housing Authority are supporters of the Workforce Housing Coalition.