FHC's seeks to be a leader in the movement to "green affordable housing." FHC will go beyond the use of sustainable materials to educate and advocate for the green building movement. FHC hopes that its projects will raise awareness for the idea that everyone can and should have access to well designed homes.

When looking at housing affordability its important to consider the cost of housing relative to an area's cost of living. Despite a high area median income close to 25% of residents in each of FHC's six counties are "cost burdened." Cost burdened homeowners dedicate more than 30% of their income to cover housing expenses. The high pressure of paying off mortgages, making repairs, paying rent etc. hurts individuals as well as the larger community. Residents that must devote significant time and resources to secure housing are more likely to have little time to spend as active consumers, volunteers, leaders, etc in their community.

FHC's committment to implementing energy efficiency programs and building units to EarthCraft House standards stems from a belief that these environmentally sound practices can help ease the cost of homeownership.

Check back soon for more information as FHC begins benchmarking the energy savings on its upcoming projcts.