What type of organization is the National Housing Conference (NHC) and what does it advocate for?

NHC is a nonprofit public policy and affordable housing advocacy organization. Our membership is drawn from every industry segment forming the foundation for broad, nonpartisan advocacy for national policies and legislation that promote suitable housing in a safe, decent environment.

What does the Center for Housing Policy do and how is it associated with NHC?

The Center for Housing Policy is NHC’s nonprofit research affiliate. The Center combines state-of-the-art research with the insights and expertise of housing practicioners, working to broaden understanding of America’s affordable housing challenges, and examining the impact of policies and programs developed to address these needs.

What is the address and contact information for NHC and the Center for Housing Policy?

National Housing Conference and
Center for Housing Policy
1801 K Street, NW
Suite M-100
Washington, DC 20006-1301

Phone: (202) 466-2121
Fax: (202) 466-2122

**Our offices are located near both the Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Blue and Orange Line) Washington Metro Rail stations.

NHC and Center Staff Directories

Who do I contact about becoming an NHC member partner?

For information about how to become an NHC member partner, please contact NHC Membership Manager Ann Cothran at (202) 466-2121, Ext. 227, or via email at membership@nhc.org.

How can I access the “Membership Only” section of the NHC Web site?

To access the “Membership Only” section of the NHC Web site, and other membership related information, please contact NHC Membership Manager Ann Cothran at (202) 466-2121, Ext. 227, or via email at membership@nhc.org.

Where can I find information on how to obtain affordable housing?

As a nonprofit membership organization NHC is dedicated to advancing affordable housing and community development causes, but does not directly assist individuals or families looking for affordable housing.

We recommend that those interested in obtaining affordable housing first contact their state housing finance agency through NHC member partner the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA).

A complete list of state housing finance agencies nationwide and related contact information can be found by going to the NCSHA List of Housing Agencies, or by calling NCSHA at (202) 624-7710.

Where can I find information on investing in affordable housing properties?

For information on investing in affordable housing properties, please contact the following NHC member partners:

Enterprise Community Partners at (410) 964-1230, www.enterprisecommunity.org
Local Initiatives Support Corporation at (212) 455-9800, www.lisc.org

Definitions and Data

What is the definition of affordable housing?

On the homeownership side, to be considered affordable, conventional mortgage underwriting guidelines require that not more than 28 percent of household income should be used to pay the mortgage, property taxes and insurance.

A rental unit is considered affordable if rent does not exceed 30 percent of income.

How do you define low- to moderate-income working families?

Low- to moderate-income working families are defined as those households earning at least the full-time minimum wage (nationally $10,712) up to 120 percent of the local area median income.

What is the cost of a median priced home in the U.S.?

According to Paycheck to Paycheck: Wages and the Cost of Housing in America, a study conducted by NHC's research affiliate the Center for Housing Policy, the cost of a median priced home was $248,000 in 2006.

Paycheck to Paycheck compares homeownership and rental affordability data for 210 of the nation’s largest housing markets with median salaries for more than 60 key community occupations through an online, interactive database. To learn how affordable your community is, please go to Paycheck to Paycheck.