One definition of the ripple effect is “a gradually spreading effect or influence.” For 20 years, Jamboree and its partners have worked tirelessly to provide quality housing that is affordable, and we celebrate the spreading effect of our efforts so far. Looking forward, we believe that the expanding influence of affordable housing will generate ripples of significance in the following four ways.

• Affordable housing strategies can reduce stress, and generate health benefits through increased access to amenities – swimming pools for play and exercise, parks and greenbelts for walking and other outdoor activities. Live/work environments shorten commutes, reducing stress on families. [Center For Housing Policy: The Positive Impacts of Affordable Housing on Health: A Research Summary, 2007]

• Affordable housing reduces a family’s single largest expenditure, freeing up limited resources for other necessities – especially food to support the health of growing children. [“RX for Hunger: Affordable Housing,” ChildrensHealthWatch.org, 2009]

• Green features/sustainability: Energy-efficient appliances reduce utility costs for residents, as well as improve air quality, reducing pathogens that contribute to illness. [Center For Housing Policy: The Positive Impacts of Affordable Housing on Health: A Research Summary, 2007]

• Resident services: Through our resident services program, Housing with HEART, we provide regular health/fitness activities, assistance with medical documents, access to local food banks, and participation in health and dental programs.

• Building and refurbishing affordable housing generates local economic impacts such as income and jobs for local residents and additional revenue for local governments. [Housing Policy Department, National Association of Home Builders, 2007/2008]

• Affordable communities can improve employers’ ability to recruit and retain staff who live near their work. This keeps families living and working in California. [Housing California]

• Low-cost housing helps to lessen the brain drain of recent college graduates leaving California. [Housing California]

• Education: Inclusionary housing ordinances make it possible for children to attend schools in better neighborhoods. A stable home can allow for consistent attendance and continual learning. [Los Angeles Unified School District Student Fact Sheet, 2009]

• City improvements: Live/work strategies can reduce commutes, relieving traffic congestion and pollution. A full spectrum of housing means cities can make housing available to all residents. People who shop where they live and work provide a stronger tax base for cities, creating more revenue to support the community infrastructure. [California Business, Transportation & Housing 2008-2010 Economic Development Work Plan]

• Resident services: We provide after-school programs that offer tutoring and homework assistance and internet access, as well as help with resumes and job application. This keeps students engaged and interested in learning.

Creates supportive housing for seniors and those with special needs

• Affordable housing provides seniors with opportunities for socializing, access to medical care and services, and activities that contribute to better overall physical and mental health. [“General Benefits,” HousingCalifornia.org]

• Special needs: Affordable housing can mitigate costs of care for special needs and the disabled by providing permanent housing that affords stability, integration of family, and access to necessary medical/ mental health services, allowing them to be an active part of their community. A significant number of Jamboree homes are adaptable to those with disabilities so that they can live independently. [Telecare Corporation, Orange County Healthcare Agency’s Full-Service Partner, 2009]