Why Housing Matters
The Challenges Families Face
The Twin Towers neighborhood has long been home to hard-working families facing persistent challenges—most notably, limited incomes and substandard housing options. Much of the existing housing stock, while historically significant, is over 100 years old and often in serious disrepair. Homeownership rates are significantly below the city average. Many current homeowners are elderly, living on fixed incomes, and struggling to maintain their properties. Renters often contend with poorly maintained units and high costs, frequently paying well above the recommended 30% of income toward rent. As a result, eviction and transiency rates are high, undermining stability for children and families. In neighborhoods like Twin Towers—designated as low-opportunity/high-poverty areas—families face daily barriers that can limit long-term success. These include: •Inadequate access to quality education •Barriers to employment due to skill gaps or background checks •Limited access to affordable physical and mental healthcare •Inability to find safe, affordable housing or build wealth •Weak social networks or support systems
Housing is Foundational
Just like access to quality education, employment, and healthcare, safe, affordable housing is a key driver of long-term family success and economic mobility. Research confirms that housing has a powerful ripple effect on nearly every area of life: •Children in stable, affordable homes do better in school, stay in school longer, have higher graduation rates, and are more likely to pursue higher education. •Homeownership reduces stress for parents and children alike, improves health outcomes, and leads to greater community involvement. •Families who own homes are more likely to accumulate wealth, achieve financial stability, and pass on generational assets. One influential study by Stanford economist Raj Chetty found that children who moved to higher-opportunity neighborhoods earned 31% more as adults, were more likely to live in better neighborhoods themselves, and were less likely to become single parents. (Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition)
The Affordable Housing Gap in Dayton
Dayton faces a severe shortage of affordable homeownership opportunities, especially for families earning 51%–120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). According to a 2024 report from CityWide Development Corporation: •3,151 homeownership units are needed in Dayton for families earning between 51%–120% of AMI (income range: $37,851 to $90,840). •For families below 50% AMI, there is a shortfall of nearly 3,000 additional units. •In total, Dayton lacks 8,499 affordable housing units for both renters and buyers across all low- and moderate-income levels. For renters, the situation is equally dire: •In Ohio, 28% of renter households are classified as extremely low income, with average annual incomes of just $28,270 for a family of four. •To afford a typical rental unit in Ohio requires $43,293—well above the income level of many families. •Ohio has just 40 affordable and available rental units per 100 extremely low-income households. (Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition) Meanwhile, homelessness continues to rise. In 2023, Montgomery County recorded over 5,000 individuals experiencing homelessness. While average rents have increased from $565 for a one-bedroom in 2010 to $800 in 2024, wages for many families have remained stagnant. people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
Twin Towers: Local Needs, Local Response
In Twin Towers, the statistics are particularly stark: •70% of renters are "rent-burdened," spending more than half their income on rent. •The average household income is just $24,315. •The neighborhood is 62% rental, making it one of the highest renter-rate areas in the city not dominated by public housing. •Many rental properties suffer from poor maintenance, disinvestment, and lack of long-term stewardship. EDNDC and the Twin Towers Neighborhood Association share a vision: to increase homeownership and transform the neighborhood into a place where families can thrive. Our strategy includes rehabilitating existing homes and developing new infill construction, both aimed at increasing access to affordable homeownership.
Investing in the Future: A Pipeline for Family Success
A core goals is to create a neighborhood that nurtures children and families, breaking the cycle of poverty and positioning the next generation for success. That vision is being realized through the East Dayton Collaborative for Child and Family Success, a powerful local initiative that brings together: •Dayton Public Schools •University of Dayton •Miami Valley Child Development Centers (Head Start) •Mission of Mary Cooperative (urban farming and healthy food access) •East End Community Services This collaborative is building a full cradle-to-career educational pipeline supported by family-centered services—beginning in preschool and extending through high school. By aligning curriculum, wraparound supports, and social-emotional development, the program equips children with the tools to succeed in the modern economy—while helping parents increase income, skills, and family well-being.
Housing is a Cornerstone of Opportunity
We see affordable, safe, and sustainable housing as a critical part of this broader neighborhood revitalization strategy. We believe that as more affordable homeownership and rental options become available, young families will be drawn to Twin Towers by the quality of the schools, services, and the growing sense of community. By aligning housing development with education, employment, and health systems, we’re helping create a competitive edge—not just for our homes, but for the entire neighborhood.