2008 Housing Results
Community Action asked several questions to help determine what issues Nebraskans face surrounding housing. The questions asked about housing payments, whether the home was in good repair, and if respondents needed assistance finding a safe place to live.
Affordable, quality housing is a concern for many of the respondents surveyed. Focus group respondents in Kearney said that affordable housing is important for getting people on their feet and on the road to self-sufficiency. Gordon residents added, “TANF rent goes to house a family in a place that is not fit to rent; there need to be housing standards.” While the number of respondents disagreeing that their home is in good repair is relatively low, the question is focused on the most basic aspects of having a home in good repair (plumbing, heating, etc.) and does not explore things such as pest problems or access to working appliances.
Having enough money to make housing or rent payments is a problem for many respondents with thirty-seven percent of respondents agreeing that they have trouble paying for housing. Focus group respondents in Scottsbluff noted that, “The cost of everything has gone up – rent is so high for even an old motel type room--without including utilities. The prices are out of line with what people are making and landlords are taking advantage of people.” Residents in Beatrice had similar concerns stating, “Affordable housing is not really affordable when a family also needs formula, diapers, food for the family, and utilities.”
| Response | Number of Respondents | Percent of Respondents |
| Disagree a lot | 674 |
26.03% |
| Disagree a little | 391 | 15.10% |
| Agree a little | 587 | 22.67% |
| Agree a lot | 389 | 15.03% |
| Does not Apply | 459 | 17.73% |
| Blank | 89 | 3.44% |
| Total Valid | 2500 | 96.56% |
| Total | 2589 | 100% |
| Response | Number of Respondents | Percent of Respondents |
| Disagree a lot | 284 |
10.97% |
| Disagree a little | 353 | 13.63% |
| Agree a little | 563 | 21.75% |
| Agree a lot | 1117 | 43.14% |
| Does not Apply | 205 | 7.92% |
| Blank | 67 | 2.59% |
| Total Valid | 2522 | 97.41% |
| Total | 2589 | 100% |
| Response | Number of Respondents | Percent of Respondents |
| Disagree a lot | 1160 |
44.80% |
| Disagree a little | 135 | 5.21% |
| Agree a little | 129 | 4.98% |
| Agree a lot | 110 | 4.25% |
| Does not Apply | 900 | 34.76% |
| Blank | 155 | 5.99% |
| Total Valid | 2434 | 94.01% |
| Total | 2589 | 100% |