Housing Challenges in Allentown

Lehigh Valley County is currently facing a difficult situation due to constant increases in living expenses and the limited availability of affordable housing that fits the budgets of its residents. These circumstances are significantly affecting the residents, especially those in the Allentown area.

A sad example of the situation is Jose, an Allentown resident who has personally experienced the impact of the rising costs of living in the county and city. Due to several unfortunate events, Jose went from being a homeowner to a homeless citizen. Last year, without knowing his property was undergoing foreclosure, his lender sold the property, and he had to go through an eviction from what was once his only home.

However, Jose is just one example of the thousands of people suffering the consequences of these rising costs. According to the nonprofit organization Allentown Rescue Mission, there has been a significant increase in the number of citizens seeking shelter and housing assistance since last year.

All this instability in the housing sector arises because families must decide how to allocate their limited funds to remain in their homes. Based on analyzed data, it was concluded that nearly half of the residents of Lehigh Valley County live paycheck to paycheck and cannot handle unexpected expenses, particularly in Allentown, where housing costs are high.

Although the real estate market is showing signs of slowing down, according to experts in the field, the high housing prices across the county mean that citizens have not felt the effects, whether renting or buying a home.

The increase in costs and lack of housing are not directly correlated with what is currently happening in Allentown, as the city’s housing shortages have been an issue since last year, and it is a challenge that the entire country is facing right now. However, the high costs in the county are causing more people to become homeless and without shelter.

Among all the affected citizens in Allentown and other cities in the county, there is a common thread: the difficulty in affording housing and unexpected events that jeopardized their finances, such as bankruptcies, fires, addictions, etc.

The administration, private companies, and local organizations in Allentown are addressing the problem and seeking a prompt solution to this unfortunate situation. On one hand, thanks to a state investment of $14 million with Cortex Residential, a private investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of apartments, the city will have 38 subsidized affordable units in the downtown area. Additionally, by 2025, the administration will increase its state budget for the financing and rehabilitation of affordable housing.

On the other hand, Rescue Mission is expanding its emergency shelter capacity for the winter months, when it tends to be most crowded; however, the organization only provides aid to men. Other nonprofit organizations in Allentown are striving to support residents with limited or scarce budgets.

Available Foreclosures

Allentown: 15 homes available

Bethlehem: 10 homes available

Easton: 8 homes available

By Elias DaSilva | September 20, 2024.