Placer Housing Matters is PCF's initiative to address Placer County's affordable housing crisis. 

PLACER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - In response to growing concerns about housing instability, a survey of 50 health and human services providers was conducted in 2024 to understand the scope and impact of affordable housing shortages in our region. The results reflect a diverse range of organizations—social services, housing authorities, faith-based groups, and advocacy organizations—all underscoring one urgent truth: affordable housing is foundational to community health, stability, and prosperity.

Informed by these findings, we started Placer Housing Matters — PCF’s initiative to address the affordable housing crisis in Placer County.

A Snapshot of The Affordable Housing Crisis in Placer County

8,011 low-income renter households do not have access to an affordable home.

77% of extremely low-income households are severely cost-burdened.

Renters must earn $39.02/hour to afford average rent – 2.4 times the state minimum wage.

Only 440 interim housing beds are available for those experiencing homelessness. Extremely low-income households spend more than half of their income on housing.

Key Findings

Affordable housing is inadequate and inaccessible. Nearly every provider reported a severe shortage of affordable housing options, especially for low-income individuals, families, the elderly and youth.

Many clients served by these organizations are living in overcrowded, unsafe or uninhabitable conditions.

Vulnerable populations are most affected including seniors living on fixed incomes. Youth, particularly those aged 15-17, lack shelter options, leaving them at higher risk of exploitations or long-term instability. Families with children are often forced to choose between unsafe housing or homelessness, especially single-parent households.

People with disabilities, those exiting homelessness and formerly incarcerated individuals face unique barriers due to stigma, credit history or limited housing models that meet their needs.

Service providers are stretched beyond capacity. Organizations frequently reported insufficient resources to provide rent assistance, deposits and case management services. Several noted the lack of housing options for specific populations, such as single fathers, disabled adults seeking independence and working families not technically considered “homeless.”

“Agency on Aging Area 4 person-centered services use a strengths-based process to work with the older adults to identify housing opportunities, including those outside of traditional options like shared housing and couch surfing. When we receive calls for housing from older adults, we frequently suggest couch surfing, as affordable housing is not available,” said Naola Johnson, CRS-A/D, Case Manager/Navigator I, Agency on Aging Area 4.

 Pictured is Naola Johnson. Courtesy photo

A Call to Action on Placer County Housing Crisis

The voices of 50 health and human service providers paint a clear and unified picture: The need for affordable housing is urgent, pervasive and deeply intertwined with community wellbeing. Decision makers are urged to act boldly — to invest, collaborate and innovate — to ensure that every resident has a safe, stable place to call home.

To support affordable housing efforts, visit: www.placercf.org/housing?mc_cid=401bea0bb3&mc_eid=44491adf44