HOUSING CAN’T WAIT
We are a grassroots initiative helping to bring more housing to Tennessee.
Southwest Virginia is set for major job growth.
A wave of job commitments will bring thousands of permanent jobs, the largest increase in decades.
But housing is not keeping up.
The Virginia Center for Housing Research reports a shortage of at least 8,600 safe and affordable units.
This gap will likely grow as demand rises.
Much of the existing housing is old and in poor condition. About 80% of homes were built before 2000, and over half before 1980.
The region’s aging and insufficient housing supply threatens future growth.
Want to learn how housing challenges are affecting your community?
Retail and businesses follow rooftops. Without more housing, the region could struggle to sustain its economic momentum.
The Fahe Network is working to change this. We invest through our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), lead economic development efforts, and build, repair, and rehab affordable housing.
Since 2019, we’ve invested over $280 million, impacting more than 16,000 Virginia households.
But there’s still more to do. By working together—state and local leaders, businesses, and community groups—we can solve the housing crisis. Let’s push for policies and investments that expand housing and strengthen communities.
Join us in building a future where everyone in Southwest Virginia can live, work, and thrive.
FOR LAWMAKERS:
Help us solve this challenge.
Learn how state investments in housing can generate housing opportunities for working families.
FACTS
Building 100 single-family homes has a big economic impact. According to the National Homebuilders Association, it generates $32.3 million in local income, taxes, and revenue while creating 394 local jobs.
The benefits continue beyond the first year. These homes bring in over $5 million in annual local income and support 69 permanent jobs.
Housing shortages are a growing problem.
The Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech (VCHR) reports that over a quarter of Appalachian counties in Virginia have vacancy rates below 2%.
These “tight markets” drive up costs and worsen the housing crisis.
For comparison, the typical U.S. vacancy rate is between 5-8%, according to the Census Bureau.
Housing is key to economic growth.
Employers need quality housing nearby to attract and keep workers. About 67% of larger companies say housing shortages make it harder to retain talent. Another 58% report losing skilled employees because working families can’t find affordable homes.
For Virginia residents
If you are interested in becoming a homeowner, or want to explore refinancing options, check out Fahe’s lending arm, Just Choice Lending.
Partners
