St. Joseph Faces Growing Housing Shortage as Employers, Renters Feel the Pressure

St. Joseph has plenty of land devoted to housing, but local leaders say the city still does not have enough homes that people can actually afford or find.

According to the City of St. Joseph’s comprehensive plan, residential property makes up about 38.5% of the city. Despite that, the total number of housing units declined between 2010 and 2020.

At the same time, the city has seen more people renting and more homes sitting vacant.

The plan shows renter-occupied housing increased by 151 units between 2010 and 2019, while the number of vacant housing units increased by 515 between 2010 and 2020.

The problem is becoming more than just a housing issue. Local business leaders say it is also affecting St. Joseph’s ability to attract workers.

Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, said employers have repeatedly identified housing as one of the community’s biggest challenges.

"Employers are having difficulty attracting workers because St. Joseph does not have enough appropriate and affordable housing", Hawn said.

The shortage appears to be especially significant for households earning roughly $50,000 to $100,000 a year.

That range includes many working families who may earn too much to qualify for certain housing assistance programs but still struggle to find affordable homes or apartments.

Hawn said St. Joseph needs additional housing at nearly every price point, but workforce housing and so-called “missing-middle” housing remain major gaps.

Missing-middle housing can include duplexes, townhomes, smaller apartment buildings and other options that fall between traditional single-family homes and larger apartment complexes.

One major obstacle is the cost of construction.

Higher material, labor and development costs make it difficult for builders to create housing at prices residents can afford while still making projects financially viable.

The shortage is also creating challenges for people attempting to move out of homelessness.

Shaylee Burchett, director of a St. Joseph shelter, said a lack of affordable rental options can prevent people from moving forward even after they have reached a point where they are ready to live independently.

The shelter is seeing people who are working, receiving benefits or actively trying to improve their situation but still cannot find a place within their budget.

Burchett said roughly eight people each month reach the point where they meet the requirements to move into housing and maintain a stable household.

The problem is finding somewhere for them to go.

Some shelter residents have spent close to a year searching.

Jeana Richardson has been looking for housing for about 11 months. She said her time at the shelter has helped her rebuild stability after becoming sick shortly after arriving.

Her days begin early with chores followed by time spent praying, reading and reflecting. She also participates in classes and spends time with other shelter residents.

Jamie Beatie has also been searching for housing for roughly 11 months despite being employed.

Beatie works overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and relies on a friend and public transportation to get to work.

He said one of the hardest parts of the process has been continuing to search without becoming discouraged.

For Beatie, stable housing means finding a place he can call his own rather than moving into another temporary situation and having to start over again several months later.

Local leaders say solving the problem will require cooperation across St. Joseph.

The city, Buchanan County, elected officials, housing organizations, builders, developers and local businesses will likely all have a role to play.

Hawn said the scale of the issue means there is no single solution.

The challenge for St. Joseph will be figuring out how to encourage new housing development while keeping those homes within reach of the workers and families the community is trying to attract and retain. Source: KQ2 —