When We Don’t Build, Jackson Pays: The True Cost of Doing Nothing

On a crisp spring morning in Jackson, the city hums with energy. Coffee shops are opening, factory shifts are changing, and classrooms are buzzing with students eager to learn. Jackson has always been a place where hard work meets heart — a community built by people who care deeply about their neighbors and their future.

But for too many working families, that future feels just out of reach. They’re earning steady paychecks, raising children, and contributing to Jackson’s growth — yet finding a safe, affordable home that fits their family’s needs has become increasingly difficult. Too many families are stuck in aging rentals, overcrowded homes, or long waiting lists for the chance to buy.

And that gap affects more than individual families. It touches every corner of our local economy. Employers can’t grow when potential workers can’t find housing nearby. Children struggle to learn when home life is unstable. Neighborhoods decline when people can’t put down roots.

That’s why Jackson Habitat’s 20 by 28 Campaign, building 20 new affordable homes by 2028, isn’t just about houses. It’s about protecting the heartbeat of Jackson itself: its people, its workforce, and its shared sense of community.

The Cost of Inaction: What Happens When Housing Isn’t Accessible

Reliable data and local trends show that when families live in unstable or unaffordable housing, the ripple effects are wide and deep:

• Children who move frequently or live in overcrowded, high-stress housing fall behind academically.

• Adults who spend more than 30% of their income on housing have less to spend on health care, education, transportation, and savings.

• Employers struggle to recruit and retain staff when young workers can’t find a home near their job, leading to turnover, lost productivity, and higher training costs.

In Jackson County, these trends are already visible. As the cost of materials and land rises, and as older housing stock deteriorates faster than it’s replaced, low- and moderate-income residents find fewer viable options. Without intervention, we risk hollowing out our workforce, weakening neighborhoods, and increasing pressure on schools and social services.

Schools & Children Suffer When Housing Isn’t Secure

Imagine a ten-year-old at a local elementary school whose family has to move twice in a single school year because their rental was sold or rent increased unexpectedly. New teachers, new bus routes, new routines — and a growing sense of instability.

By building 20 affordable homes in Jackson by 2028, Habitat is giving children a chance to stay in one school, build friendships, and flourish. Stable housing isn’t just a home — it’s a foundation for academic success.

“When we settled into our Habitat home, we stopped worrying about rent increases, and I finally had time to volunteer at PTA meetings instead of working second jobs.”— Barbara, Jackson Habitat Homeowner

Employers & the Local Economy Lose When Housing Is Unaffordable

Local employers — from Henry Ford Health to Jackson Public Schools to manufacturers in the industrial corridor — rely on a stable, nearby workforce. When housing costs and availability don’t align with local wages, workers face tough trade-offs that affect attendance, retention, and morale.

By investing in 20 new homes, the 20 by 28 Campaign directly supports Jackson’s workforce pipeline. It helps young professionals, skilled tradespeople, and essential workers put down roots, keeping Jackson competitive, vibrant, and full of opportunity.

“Affordable housing is economic development,” says a local Habitat partner. “You can’t attract talent if people can’t find a place to live.”

Healthcare, Neighborhoods & Public Services Bear the Burden

When families live in substandard or unstable housing, the costs show up elsewhere: higher healthcare needs, strained social services, and declining neighborhood vitality. Housing insecurity is directly linked to stress-related illness, increased ER visits, and poorer mental health outcomes.

Neighborhoods also pay a price when turnover is high and homeownership declines. Community investment drops, volunteerism suffers, and the sense of belonging erodes. Building affordable, quality homes is an investment in neighborhood strength and long-term cost savings for public services.

“We realized our old rental was draining our savings. When we moved into our Habitat house, we found more time for our children and for our neighbors.”— Sam, Jackson Habitat Homeowner

How “20 by 28” Makes a Difference

The math is straightforward: 20 homes by 2028 means about 4–5 homes per year. It’s ambitious, but achievable with community support.

Each home represents:

• A family lifted into stability through affordable homeownership

• A local job created or supported through construction and supply purchasing

• A neighborhood renewed through community investment and volunteer engagement

This is not charity — it’s partnership. Habitat homebuyers work alongside volunteers, contribute hundreds of hours of “sweat equity,” complete homeowner education courses, and purchase their homes through affordable mortgages.

When you give, you’re investing in a homeowner’s long-term success, in Jackson’s economic health, and in a more vibrant, inclusive community.

Local Donor Alignment: Why This Matters for You

As a business owner, local professional, or resident of Jackson County, you have a stake in this outcome. A stable workforce means fewer vacancies, more engaged citizens, and stronger neighborhoods. A thriving community means increased property values, more local spending, and a higher quality of life.

When you align with Habitat’s 20 by 28 campaign, you’re saying:

• “Yes — I believe Jackson should be a place where people can live, work, and thrive.”

• “Yes — I believe stable housing is the foundation for everything else: education, employment, health.”

• “Yes — I choose to partner with Habitat to build more than homes — I build hope.”

Call to Action: Help Us Build Jackson’s Future

• Donate now to the 20 by 28 Campaign — every dollar helps build materials, secure land, and prepare families for homeownership.

• Partner with us — is your company ready to sponsor a home, provide materials, or volunteer as a team? Let’s talk.

• Volunteer your time — join a build day, mentor a future homeowner, or help us spread the word.

• Share our story — follow us on social media and help raise awareness of the housing challenges right here in Jackson.

Together, we can make Jackson County a place where families thrive, employers grow, and neighborhoods stay strong. The cost of doing nothing is far too high. With your help, we’ll build 20 homes by 2028 — and with those homes, we’ll build a stronger Jackson for all of us.