New apartment complex in Jacksonville offers affordable housing options

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.

The Rising Cost of Rent in Jacksonville

According to Zillow, the average renter in Jacksonville is now paying nearly 40% more for rent compared to 2019.

In just five years, the cost of renting a property that was previously $1,200 a month has increased to $1,700 a month.

Affordable Housing Options

However, there are two new options available for individuals seeking affordable housing in Jacksonville.

One of these options is the Lofts at San Marco East, a new affordable housing complex that is currently accepting applications.

Located on the corner of Philips Highway and St. Augustine Road, this housing complex is specifically reserved for individuals earning less than 60% of the area’s income, with nine units available for those earning less than 33%.

The Lofts at San Marco East offers a range of apartment options, including studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

To apply, interested individuals can visit the temporary leasing office located across the street.

Support for Home Ownership

In addition to the affordable housing complex, the city of Jacksonville has been awarded an extra $2.3 million to assist individuals in achieving home ownership.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development presented the Jacksonville Housing Authority with this funding, which will be used to support job training for 300 people.

This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which aims to ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all.

Skills Training and Job Placement

The plan is to provide skills training and financial literacy courses to participants before assisting them with job placement.

The Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) is one of 14 housing agencies across the country to receive this award, marking the second time in four years that they have been granted this funding.

Individuals who have participated in the JHA’s Jobs Plus program have expressed how it has helped them overcome significant challenges in their lives.

Lineshia Bryant, a single mother, shared her experience, stating, “It’s hard being a single mom. I have faced getting in trouble, and the biggest thing was my mom dying. My mom died, she was my biggest supporter for me and my kids. That was the biggest trial and tribulation I went through. (JHA) helping me, it really helped me become the mom I am for my kids so I can provide a stable household for them.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 1: No Poverty

The issue of rising rental costs in Jacksonville is connected to SDG 1 as it affects the affordability of housing for renters. The article mentions that the average renter in Jacksonville is paying nearly 40% more for rent than they were in 2019.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The issue of rising rental costs can also be connected to SDG 8 as it affects the economic well-being of individuals. Higher rental costs may put financial strain on renters, making it harder for them to achieve decent work and economic stability.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article mentions the availability of a new affordable housing complex, which addresses the goal of ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all. This connects to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.

This target is relevant as rising rental costs may disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable populations who struggle to afford housing. Ensuring equal access to economic resources and financial services can help address this issue.

Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

This target is indirectly connected to the issue of rising rental costs. If individuals are burdened by high rental costs, it may impact their ability to find decent work and achieve economic stability.

Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

This target is directly addressed in the article through the mention of a new affordable housing complex, the Lofts at San Marco East. The availability of affordable housing options contributes to ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators could include the percentage of income spent on rent, the availability of affordable housing units, and the percentage of individuals who have access to financial services and resources.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news4jax.com