When Realtors discuss a "housing shortage," we're usually talking about inventory.
Not enough starter homes.
Not enough affordable rentals.
Not enough downsizing options.
But another part of the housing problem involves people who don't have stable housing at all.
On October 23, Camden County dedicated the new Martin F. McKernan Jr. Supportive Housing Center near the Lakeland complex in Gloucester Township.
The county says approximately $22 million was invested in the 45,000-square-foot facility. It contains 60 housing units, including 50 transitional units where individuals can remain for up to two years and 10 units reserved for emergency use.
But the project isn't intended simply to provide a bed.
Residents will also be connected with services including healthcare benefits, assistance obtaining identification, mental health support, job placement and help moving toward permanent housing. Volunteers of America Delaware Valley will operate the facility.
Camden County says the center is part of its larger goal of reaching what is known as functional zero homelessness by 2030, meaning homelessness would occur at a level that the community's housing system could respond to effectively.
Why include this in a real estate newsletter?
Because housing is interconnected.
When there aren't enough affordable homes or rentals, problems ripple throughout the system.
First-time buyers remain renters longer.
Renters compete for fewer units.
Seniors who want to downsize struggle to find alternatives.
Families experiencing financial hardship have fewer options when something goes wrong.
Housing isn't just a question of what the house down the street sold for.
It's also about whether communities have enough different types of housing for people at different points in life.
This new Camden County facility won't solve the entire problem.
But understanding the complete housing picture is important if we're going to have intelligent conversations about real estate in South Jersey.
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