Have you ever considered the influence of homeownership while developing programs and interventions for youth? At first blush, it might not seem clear how the number of homeowning families versus renting families could affect the youth that much. However, where people live has big implications on all factors that could influence a person's life. Lancaster county, for example, has the biggest percentage of renters in the state of Nebraska, at 40%.
According to Census data, in Lancaster, 40% of people rent their homes. The national average of renters in the United States is just shy of 30%, so Lancaster has significantly more renters.
What can this change about a young person's life? For one thing, homeownership offers wealth, security, and greater autonomy to a family. The neighborhood where someone lives also reflects their school district, and wealthier schools can offer more resources than poorer districts, where renters tend to live.
Safety is a big factor influencing youth, too--in some areas in town, it might be perfectly fine to go for a walk during the evening, while in other neighborhoods, doing so might be riskier. A person's health is also influenced by their neighborhood. What if the closest grocery store to your home had a lacking selection of fresh fruits and vegetables? What if living in a noisy neighborhood with high traffic prevented someone from getting a full night of sleep regularly?
As you work with and serve youth, it can be useful to know what basic necessities people have available to them in their neighborhoods. Search for gaps or barriers people might encounter based on where they can afford to live, and you can help find or create a solution to address those problems.