Episode 21. What is Affordable Housing?

This week on the HOME Team Podcast, Carl Falconer and Danny Arroyo tackle a foundational question: What is affordable housing?
They break down the 30% rule (housing costs shouldn’t exceed 30% of income), explain AMI (Area Median Income), and why the phrase “affordable housing” can be misleading unless we ask the real question: Affordable for who? From 110% AMI all the way down to 30% AMI and below, Carl and Danny discuss why Pathlight HOME primarily serves residents at the extremely low-income level—and why deep subsidies are often required.
In “Offense vs. Defense,” they explore both sides of whether affordable housing should be a top community priority—covering benefits like stability, health, and stronger neighborhoods, alongside common concerns like cost, infrastructure strain, and NIMBYism.
Plus: a spotlight on Julian Love (2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Nominee for the Seattle Seahawks) for his impact in underserved communities, and a look at cold-weather shelter activations across Central Florida.
Key takeaway: Affordable housing creates stability, dignity, and opportunity—helping people become healthier, more secure, and better able to contribute to their communities.
Email questions: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions@pathlighthome.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Support, volunteer, or tour: PathlightHOME.org
Produced by Gigi Ramirez and Jay Falconer.
Music and Sound Design by Kwon.