Posted on Flickr by Irish Spacemonk

Recent articles have been pushing the idea that just maybe our Nation should stop pushing the idea of owning a home as the ideal to the American Dream.

I would like to highlight how short sighted such a notion is.

• A market driven approach means that the investor/landlord controls price.
• A market driven approach means that at the discretion of the investor/landlord the price can change.
• A market driven approach means the investor/landlord can take advantage of the short term shifts in the market to their advantage.
• A market driven approach means the individuals less able to adapt to the marketplace will be harmed the most.

1. Home ownership provides cost containment on future increases.  Control of the housing expenses stays with the homeowner.
2. Income grows and cost stay relatively the same.  Thereby less of an individual’s income goes towards housing.
3. Even the costs of repairs when done in a planned manner, with many being done by the owner can be within ones means.  Labor is usually 50% of the costs, so if done by the home owner real savings can be realized.  For those repairs needing specialized individuals building a reserve is the best way to afford these repairs.

The same can be said of nonprofits owning their property and utilizing their volunteer network to maintain their property.  This is especially true of those whom are in expensive markets.  Your organization is not in the business of providing a return on an investment to an individual or individuals. Therefore, why spend your money doing so. Your money should be spent on securing the future of the organization and its mission.  Giving money to a property owning provides no long term return for the organization unless there is a mutual parallel mission.  A good set of examples are the many faith base organizations whom have nonprofits working out of their space for below market rent.  That is the right partnership in accomplishing ones joint mission for the communities they serve.