The Case for Rental Housing: A Nonprofit Perspective

Liza Khan

W05-12: Unmet demand for affordable rental housing in most U.S. housing markets represents an opportunity for nonprofit organizations. Despite the potential benefits available through affordable rental housing creation and preservation, nonprofits still need to carefully assess their internal and external environment to determine whether they are well suited to enter this business. This paper identifies and assesses the internal and external drivers that shape decisions made by organizations in this field and that are often critical to successful projects. These drivers were identified through a review of relevant literature, interviews and focus groups with leading policymakers and practitioners, and analysis of survey responses from NeighborWorks® America organizations…