Rising Rents and Hidden Homelessness in Youngstown: Mayor Calls for Action

In Youngstown, Ohio, a surge in housing costs driven by out-of-state institutional landlords is exacerbating "hidden homelessness," forcing families into overcrowded living conditions and straining the city's already vulnerable populations.

Mayor Jamael Tito Brown has raised alarms over the increasing presence of institutional investors who are purchasing multiple properties and significantly raising rents—sometimes tripling previous amounts. This trend is displacing families, compelling them to seek shelter with relatives or in overcrowded situations, thereby contributing to unaccounted homelessness. With a poverty rate more than double the national average, Youngstown's residents, particularly children, are facing heightened challenges in accessing food, education, and emotional stability. Mayor Brown is advocating for stronger renter protections, expanded housing vouchers, and increased nutrition support to address these pressing issues.

Youngstown's rental market has experienced notable changes in recent years. As of 2022, the median gross rent was $718 per month, significantly lower than the national median of $1,268. However, by September 2024, Zillow reported an increase to $725, a 3.6% rise from $700 in 2023. RentCafe indicated an average of $882 for apartment rentals in 2024. Despite these increases, the city's rental stock is aging, with 60% of units built before 1960 and 35.8% constructed prior to 1940. This aging inventory, coupled with a housing vacancy rate of 19.2% (5,540 vacant units), suggests a market burdened by abandonment rather than growth.

The economic landscape further complicates the housing situation. In 2023, Youngstown's poverty rate stood at 36.2%, more than double the state average of 13.3%. Notably, 51.3% of residents under 18 years old live below the poverty level, with children under 5 experiencing a poverty rate of 63.7%. Among disabled residents, the poverty rate is 42.8%, compared to 22.0% statewide. Additionally, 67.7% of residents below the poverty level are renters, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic to housing instability.

The rise of institutional investors in Ohio's housing market has been significant. In 2021, these investors accounted for 16% of home purchases, the sixth-highest rate in the nation. By June 2023, concerns were raised that, by 2040, 40-50% of homes could be owned by corporations. This trend has been linked to reduced homeownership rates and increased housing costs, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals.

Mayor Brown has been proactive in addressing these challenges. The city's Office of Economic Development is working to improve residents' access to homeownership through down payment assistance programs and reinvestment in existing housing. The goal is to enhance both the quality and quantity of homes, ensuring that buyers and renters have access to quality housing.

In his July 2 statement, Mayor Brown emphasized the adverse effects of escalating rents and limited affordable housing on children's access to food, education, and emotional stability. He called for stronger renter protections, expanded housing vouchers, and increased nutrition support to address these challenges.

The phenomenon of "hidden homelessness" has profound social implications. Families forced into overcrowded living situations or reliant on relatives for shelter often experience increased stress and instability. Children in these situations face disruptions in education and emotional development. The high poverty rates among children and disabled residents in Youngstown exacerbate these challenges, making it imperative to address the root causes of housing instability.

By addressing these themes, a comprehensive article can shed light on the multifaceted challenges facing Youngstown and offer insights into potential solutions.