DAVENPORT, IOWA, (May 21, 2024) — This May, in recognition of Affordable Housing Month, the Quad Cities Housing Council (QCHC) marks its 25th anniversary with the launch of a transformative messaging campaign, "Housing Matters." Aimed at raising awareness and sparking community action on the critical issues of affordable, accessible, and safe housing, the campaign underscores a quarter-century commitment to enhancing economic and community development through housing solutions in the Quad Cities metropolitan area.
“Housing is more than just a place to live; it's the foundation of community well-being and economic stability," said Leslie Kilgannon, Executive Director of the QCHC. “At the end of the day, housing should matter to all of us because we all benefit from what it provides. New and rehabbed homes expand a community’s tax base. An adequate supply of affordable housing can enhance a business’ decision to locate new jobs in the area. And finally, when a household pays less for the roof over their head, they have more monies to spend and invest locally.”
This is the foundational idea behind the "Housing Matters" campaign, designed to raise community-wide awareness of significant housing challenges highlighted by recent statistics. Over the past decade, the region has seen a sharp decline in affordable rental units, with a loss of over 6,645 homes for those earning below 30% of the area’s median income. Additionally, ongoing economic pressures have made affordable housing stocks drop to an all-time low, further exacerbating the situation for low-income families.
In response to these challenges, the QCHC has been pivotal in maximizing housing funds and coordinating efforts across a network of local not-for-profits, for-profit housing service-providers, lenders, and government bodies now known as the Quad Cities Housing Cluster. The collaborative approach has been crucial in advocating for housing needs and developing strategic solutions to meet the growing demands of the Quad Cities’ communities, including a ten-year plan titled Silos to Solutions that lays out six strategies for improving housing accessibility and affordability.
Throughout the six-month "Housing Matters" campaign, messaging will highlight the diverse needs and the intersecting issues related to housing with the goal of fostering a deeper understanding and involvement in housing issues. The QCHC invites community members to participate in educational events, explore opportunities to volunteer and engage, and, most importantly, voice their support by sharing personal stories and discovering why "Housing Matters” — to me, to you and to all of us.
Quad Cities area residents are encouraged to follow the campaign on social-media using #HousingMattersQC or #QCHC25 and visit qchousingcouncil.org/housingmatters to stay updated on events and ways to participate.
For more information, visit QCHC’s website.
About the Quad Cities Housing Council
Founded in 1999 and formerly known as the Scott County Housing Council, the renamed Quad Cities Housing Council (QCHC) is dedicated to providing resources for creating housing opportunities that promote economic and community development. As the local Housing Trust Fund, QCHC also serves bi-state entities and acts as the resource development arm of the Quad Cities Housing Cluster, a consortium of bi-state not-for-profit and for-profit housing service providers and developers, lenders, funders, local governments and members of the housing industry. Cluster members work collaboratively to address the overall housing needs and opportunities of the Quad Cities’ communities. To learn more, visit qchousingcouncil.org.
