THE ISSUE
Rapid growth in our community has led to a steep rise in rents, resulting in nearly 50% of residents burdened by housing costs. As reported by the city’s Workforce Housing Advisory Committee, only 900 affordable units are available to accommodate over 8,500 struggling households, forcing many community workers to live outside the area they serve.
Workers earning minimum wage would require a 200% increase in pay to afford basic housing in New Braunfels. To rent a modest one-bedroom in Comal County without being burdened by housing costs, a local worker must earn $20.33 an hour. To afford a basic two-bedroom, a minimum wage worker would need a 240% increase in pay, or make $24.65 per hour. These alarming figures may also help explain why the 2023 Point-in-Time count of individuals experiencing homelessness has doubled since 2020.
NB Housing Partners
reported over 500 of
our neighbors sought help
due to homelessness
in a single year
Source: HUD/National Low Income Housing
Coalition 2023 Out of Reach Report
136 hours per week
Number of hours per week that a minimum wage earner would need to work to afford rent
$1,282
Two-bedroom fair market rent
$51,280
Annual income needed to afford a basic two-bedroom rental without being housing-burdened
The Inspiration
The McKenna Foundation envisions a community where every child and adult can return to a roof over their head and a bed to sleep in each night. Yet, an increasing number of long-term residents fear being displaced from their homes due to rising housing costs and static wages. To take action, the McKenna Foundation established the NB Housing Partners to address our housing crisis and break the cycle of homelessness.
