FAQs
What is considered a low income household?
For housing purposes; the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines low income as annual income that is below 80% of median income for the area. Lexington’s annual median income was $67,631 in 2019-2023. They further identify very - low income - at or below 50% of the median and extremely - low income - at or below 30%. At Gleanings Housing we are serving very and extremely low incomes in the Lexington area of Kentucky.
What is affordable housing?
Housing is considered affordable when the cost of housing is equal to or less than 30% of the household’s income. Cost-burdened rental housing means that more than 30% of a household’s income is spent on housing costs (including utilities) each month.
What causes homelessness?
The multifaceted nature of homelessness is primarily driven by several key factors. These include a critical shortage of affordable housing, which creates an overwhelming barrier for individuals and families to secure stable shelter. A lack of sufficient financial resources prevents many from affording fair market-rate rents, exacerbating the housing crisis. Furthermore, challenges related to independent living skills and the inadequate provision of comprehensive support services—both temporary and permanent—contribute significantly to a household’s vulnerability to homelessness. As the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) highlights, these interconnected issues underscore the systemic complexities that perpetuate homelessness across various demographics (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2020).
How do you define homelessness?
When we talk about someone being homeless, it's important to understand that it means more than just living on the street. At its core, it signifies that a person or family doesn't have a stable, safe place of their own that's meant for people to live in. This broader definition includes individuals who might be staying temporarily with friends or relatives because they have nowhere else to go, those living in shelters or transitional housing programs, or even people sleeping in cars, abandoned buildings, or other places not intended for human habitation. The central idea is a lack of a permanent, personal residence, highlighting the diverse situations faced by those experiencing homelessness.
Affordable Housing for All.
Gleanings Housing Incorporated champions the belief that housing is a fundamental social right and a societal need, rather than merely a commodity available to those who can afford high prices. This organization is committed to making housing accessible to all, seeing it as an investment in the overall well-being of the community. Our efforts are focused on addressing the affordable housing crisis, emphasizing that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to live.
A dedicated community of volunteers is vital for Gleanings Housing, as we directly contribute to its mission by developing and maintaining affordable housing units. Beyond physical labor, volunteers are powerful advocates, spreading awareness and influencing policy to champion housing as a social right. Their efforts also extend to crucial operational and fundraising tasks, directly enabling Gleanings to expand its impact and ensure more individuals and families have a safe, stable place to call home.
