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Manufactured Homes Could be Opportunity in Affordable Housing Crisis

This week, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor held a series of community meetings on the eviction crisis. One underlying problem -- a lack of affordable housing.  Now some advocates think manufactured homes, also known as mobile homes, could be a part of the solution.

 

According to a recent study, someone making minimum wage in Richmond or Charlottesville would have to work more than 100 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom apartment.

Bob Adams, with Housing and Development Advisors, says manufactured homes represent an affordable path to housing.

“There’s no one who’s coming in and questioning what you do in your own home,” Adams says. “A lot of families find that living in manufactured housing communities is very desirable and more desirable than being in a traditional apartment community.”

Manufactured homes have become more durable and energy efficient. According to research Adams presented to a group of lawmakers Wednesday, almost 60,000 people already live in manufactured housing in the Richmond metro area alone.

Senator Mamie Locke says she sees the opportunity.

“But we have to get a handle on making sure that individuals who are in manufactured homes also get a good deal on the parks where they’re located,” she adds.

One possibility is turning to nonprofits. There’s already a growing trend in Virginia of charities buying and redeveloping manufactured home parks.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

 

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.
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