Mind the Gap: Wages and Housing Cost

In 2024, Love Columbia has averaged seven requests for assistance per day from people who have no permanent housing (literally homeless, doubled up or in hotels). As we talk further with the people who lack housing, we often find their income is insufficient to afford housing in the current market. Columbia renters must earn $18.54 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment, and $24.46 for a three-bedroom.

With Missouri minimum wage at $12.30/hour and average Boone County wage $23.70/hour (2022), many workers are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Rent increases are outpacing income gains. Median rents have risen nearly continuously since 2001 in inflation-adjusted terms and are 21 percent higher as of 2022. Meanwhile, renters’ incomes have risen just 2 percent during the same period.

Since 2019, Columbia rent prices have steadily risen. US Census data shows an increase of 23% for a one bedroom, 19% for a two bedroom, 31% for a three bedroom, and 27% for a four bedroom.

According to Rent.com's February monthly report, Missouri led the nation in year over year rent increases in January 2024. Other states are seeing rent cool off or even decline, but Missouri's year over year rent increase was 13.18%.

Career Advancement Support

Love Columbia career coaches and our community partners are here to support anyone who wants to move forward in life. We are hosting our first hiring fair and launching new supportive services through the generosity of donors who want to see their neighbors succeed.

** Stay tuned for future Love Columbia hiring fairs! 

Employment Opportunity Fund

A generous donor has offered to match up to $50,000 in giving to help people overcome barriers to career advancement. Funds will be used to provide career coaching and basic needs assistance while unemployed or underemployed workers are in transition to higher paying jobs, particularly those in areas of vital importance to our community. 

Every dollar you donate will be matched, doubling your impact and directly supporting our efforts to see our neighbors improve their lives. Your contribution will ensure that our neighbors receive the guidance and support they need to secure meaningful employment and thrive in their new roles.

Celebrating Career Advancement

Kerston Roberts is a continual learner. She has participated in Love Columbia programs for several years to improve her life situation. "I was in different programs at Love Columbia and met a lot of amazing people," Kerston said. "Coresa was my Extra Mile money management coach. Sherry helped me raise my credit. Debbie helped me advance my career. Jocelyn coached me through Extra Mile Homes. My main issue with budgeting was that I did not make enough money. My housing was expensive and repairs were not done that could have lowered the utility bills. My car needed repairs so I could get to work. Love Columbia found ways to help me with everything. They supported me while I went through the two month period to start a new job and helped me find affordable housing. I truly cannot say enough about their support.”

Kerston loves her new job with City of Columbia as a sanitation truck driver using the new roll cart system. With her new job and bright future, she plans to enroll in our homeownership program!

“I think what makes Love Columbia unique is their community connections," Kerston shared. "Whenever they can't help with something internally, they point you in the direction where it can get done. They have a really good network in Columbia, and they are able to connect their clients into their community network. I feel like that has been helpful for me, and I know it's huge for other people who want to do something different but they just don't have the connections."

Kerston’s daughter, Khija, has also participated in Love Columbia’s financial and career programs. She is currently an intern with City of Columbia and is seeking a permanent position with the city. Other goals and milestones are getting her drivers license and graduation from Job Point.

Both Kerston and Khija serve on Love Columbia’s client advisory board.

Kerston, right and Khija, middle, giving input on Love Columbia programs at the client advisory meeting.

Housing Education

Community members spend Saturday morning receiving tenant and homeowner training in our RentWell and First Time Homebuyer classes.

Good Dads Graduation

Nine Good Dads graduates celebrate completing our first 16-week Good Dads 2.0 parenting and personal development course. The follow up healthy relationships class will start in June. Our next Good Dads parenting course will begin this fall.