QC Housing Council touts $35M in investments, seeks more

Affordable housing advocates crowded into Mercado on Fifth’s indoor event space on Thursday, Nov. 14, to celebrate the more than $35 million in funding the Quad Cities Housing Council (QCHC) has distributed since it was launched 25 years ago. The “Still Partying Like It’s 1999” event in downtown Moline also was designed to draw attention […]

Affordable housing advocates crowded into Mercado on Fifth’s indoor event space on Thursday, Nov. 14, to celebrate the more than $35 million in funding the Quad Cities Housing Council (QCHC) has distributed since it was launched 25 years ago. The “Still Partying Like It’s 1999” event in downtown Moline also was designed to draw attention to the QCHC’s silver anniversary, the 7,500 units of housing it has impacted in the Quad Cities, and the current pressing need for more affordable housing solutions. The housing need is more keenly felt than ever. Consider that over the past decade, QCHC reports, the Quad Cities has seen a loss of over 6,645 homes available for those earning below 30% of the area’s median income. Additionally, continuing economic pressures have made the affordable housing stock drop to an all-time low, further exacerbating the situation for low-income families.

Thursday’s free party at Mercado’s downtown Moline center at 423 12th St., featured light refreshments and a signature drink. It also wrapped up QCHC’s year-long “Housing Matters QC” awareness campaign.  Quad Cities Housing Council Executive Director Leslie Kilgannon said the event was a chance for supporters to let their hair down a little before rejoining the fight for a safe place to live for low-income and modest-income Quad Citians. “All we ever do is really collaborate, coordinate, share resources and do the hard work so it’s nice to take a moment and just celebrate the success that we’ve had, but also acknowledging that affordable housing is a serious issue and we have a lot of work to do,” she told the QCBJ.

How can QC help?

Since the pandemic the unmet need for housing has exploded. “If there is one thing I could say that was good about the pandemic is that it raised awareness,” Ms. Kilgannon said. “More people are aware of the issue because we have more people impacted by housing instability and homelessness.” One way Quad Citians can boost QCHC’s efforts is to talk about their support for housing that is affordable, decent and safe. “It’s really, get involved; ask questions; talk to your elected officials – federal, state and local – and tell them what you support because they’re only going to act when they know that there’s support,” Ms. Kilgannon said. Also among those spreading the word about affordable housing and sporting “Housing Matters” T-shirts Thursday was Jenni Swanson, Rock Island’s Fourth Ward alderwoman and one of the QCHC’s Housing Matters ambassadors.  “The unhoused face a troubling situation where they need an address to get a job, and need a job to get an address. This sets up a frustrating circle that is hard to navigate or escape without help,” Ms. Swanson told the QCBJ. “Many people find themselves unhoused through no fault of their own – victims of circumstances such as the loss of a job, death of a partner, divorce or medical emergency,” added Ms. Swanson, who has experienced such challenges firsthand. “It’s like a light switch being flipped that completely changes your life.”

Human need and right

The Quad Cities community advocate also pointed to “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,” a widely used theory of human behavior, which lists food, shelter and clothing as among the most basic of human needs. “Housing is a human need, a human right. That is why this matters to me and should matter to all of us,” she said In inviting Quad Citians to Thursday’s party, Ms. Kilgannon told area media the celebration would honor “the incredible partnerships we’ve built and the work that’s been done over the past 25 years.” In addition, she said, it was an opportunity to “reflect on our progress and look toward building even stronger solutions for the future.”  The QCHC is charged with promoting, coordinating and building the capacity of housing development throughout the Quad Cities. It also serves as the resource development arm of the Quad Cities Housing Cluster, which tracks statistics to quantify the region’s housing shortage. As the local Housing Trust Fund, QCHC also is able to serve bi-state entities. Since its founding in 1999, the Quad Cities Housing Council has partnered with local organizations, businesses, and community members to tackle housing challenges in the region. QCHC’s mission is to provide the resources for creating housing opportunities that promote economic and community development. One such solution is its 10-year plan called Silos to Solution, which outlines strategies for enhancing housing affordability and accessibility in the Quad Cities.

More than a place to live

Together, they have addressed critical issues such as affordable housing shortages, housing stability, and eviction prevention, ensuring that Housing Matters for everyone in the Quad Cities. “Housing is more than just a place to live; it's the foundation of community well-being and economic stability," Ms. Kilgannon said last spring. “At the end of the day, housing should matter to all of us because we all benefit from what it provides. New and rehabbed homes expand a community’s tax base. An adequate supply of affordable housing can enhance a business’ decision to locate new jobs in the area. And finally, when a household pays less for the roof over their head, they have more monies to spend and invest locally.” For more information about QCHC’s mission and the community’s needs, visit QCHC’s website.