Long known as one of the country’s most affordable places to live, Houston is now seeing the price of homes escalate at five times the rate of income growth. Entry-level professionals like teachers, medical workers and police officers who work within the central city are finding fewer options for living near their workplace. Additionally, low- and moderate-income families with established roots in the inner city are being pushed out by rising property taxes as gentrification pushes through. New affordable developments are often opposed by “Not In My Back Yard” (NIMBYs) based on fear of the unknown and falsehoods regarding crime and property values.

To increase awareness of the need for affordable home development in Houston, the Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) launched an outreach campaign entitled “SAY YES” to quality homes for all incomes, in all areas. The campaign was designed to create a well-informed community discourse through targeted educational presentations and informational materials while building YIMBYs (Yes in My Back Yard) to advocate for more affordable home developments in all areas of Houston.

A campaign logo, posters, flyers and social media elements were created using local statistics to show the inequity in housing opportunities. Using a combination of stock photos and “real people” photos, the campaign reached out to the community, asking “Can I Be Your Neighbor?” via social media, website, meetings, and educational presentations.

In addition to several presentations at city council, community meetings, and affordable housing conferences, HCDD held a SAY YES Affordable Homes Tour. The event offered 40-plus community members the opportunity to get up-close and personal with affordable homes, its residents, and management staff. Tours also showed participants that affordable home properties can be beautiful and leaders in green building concepts and community building with features such as playgrounds, pools, business centers, and community rooms that foster resident activities and educational programs. The participants included elected officials, community leaders, nonprofits, homebuilders, banking officials, and government agencies.

HCDD launched the campaign in April 2017 and expanded the messages throughout the year adding additional professions and individuals. HCDD plans to continue expanding the campaign through 2018 and beyond.