Affordable Housing Project Symaia Blevins BUS 375: Project M

Affordable Housing Project Symaia Blevins BUS 375: Project Management Professor Grady

As the gap between the rich and the poor widens, many citizens are finding it difficult to afford one of the basic needs of a human being and that is shelter. Starting from the middle income earners to low income earners, the fact that they find it difficult to at least own their individual houses is a vivid indication of the existing problem of housing in the United States which needs to be addressed. As per the census tracts of the United States, 40% or more of the American families have income levels below the federal poverty threshold. That is, the number increased from 7.3 million in the year 2000 to 13.9 million in the year 2013. By 2020, the number is anticipated to rise even more (Schwalbe, 2015). For this reason, this Affordable Housing Project is meant to purposely address the problem of housing in the United States. The first phase of the project will take eighteen months and 3000 affordable housing units which will accommodate more than 1500 families will be constructed.

Paper For Above instruction

The pressing issue of affordable housing in the United States has become a critical social concern, necessitating comprehensive strategies to bridge the growing gap between housing demand and availability for low- and middle-income families. The proposed Affordable Housing Project aims to construct 3,000 affordable units within an 18-month timeframe, providing shelter for over 1,500 families, thereby addressing both housing shortages and social inequality.

Introduction

Housing is fundamental to human well-being, social stability, and economic development. However, Americans at the lower end of the income spectrum face significant barriers to secure adequate and affordable housing, often residing in unsafe or substandard environments. This project seeks to mitigate these challenges by developing affordable housing units that meet basic standards, thus ensuring access to decent shelter and fostering community development.

Background and Rationale

The widening income disparity in the United States has led to an increase in homelessness and housing insecurity, particularly among low-income populations. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that over 13.9 million American families live below the federal poverty line, with projections suggesting this trend will continue upward (Schwalbe, 2015). Such circumstances increase risks to health, safety, and social integration, contributing to a cycle of poverty and marginalization. Addressing this issue through targeted housing initiatives is therefore a key intervention for social equity.

Project Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of the project is to provide stable, affordable housing that upholds the right to decent living conditions. Specifically, the objectives include:

• Constructing 3,000 affordable housing units suitable for low- and middle-income families within 18 months.
• Ensuring that these units meet minimum quality standards to promote safety and health (Fleming & Koppelman, 2016).
• Enhancing community development by fostering social cohesion and improving local infrastructure utilization.
• Supporting economic stability by creating construction-related employment and stimulating local markets during the project's implementation.

Strategic Approach and Management Structure

To effectively execute this project, a project-based organizational structure will be adopted, emphasizing clear roles and responsibilities. The project manager will oversee all operations, with departmental teams in architecture and procurement, construction (structural and building), mechanical and electrical works, and finance working collaboratively. Architectural teams will design the units, while structural and building teams will be responsible for construction. Procurement will coordinate the acquisition of necessary materials such as bricks, cement, metals, and other building supplies, based on quotations and designs. The finance department will ensure funding approval and cost management (Kerzner, 2017).

This structure facilitates efficient workflow, clear communication channels, and timely decision-making—crucial for meeting the 18-month deadline. Regular monitoring and control mechanisms, including review meetings and progress reports, will be employed to track milestones and address challenges proactively (Harrison & Lock, 2017).

Implementation Phases and Activities

The project comprises distinct phases, starting with the initial planning and design stage, taking one month, where architects develop detailed blueprints and plans. Subsequently, excavation and foundation work will be carried out over two months, involving the structural and construction teams. The core building phase will span approximately eight months, during which the main structure and roofing will be erected. Finishing works, including interior fittings, sanitation, and external landscaping, will require five months, culminating in a final inspection, quality assurance, and handover to stakeholders within the last month (Meredith, Mantel Jr, & Shafer, 2017).

Stakeholders and Customer Focus

The primary stakeholders include the American International Construction Company, which will hold 50% of project shares, along with federal and state government agencies contributing 30% and 15%, respectively. The remaining 5% will be distributed among local entities or private investors. Stakeholders are essential for providing financial support, policy oversight, and project governance, ensuring alignment with federal housing policies and community needs (Heagney, 2016).

The main beneficiaries are low- and middle-income families, who will receive priority access to the affordable units, with an expected 80% preference during distribution. Additionally, the government may purchase units for resale or rental at subsidized rates to further assist the target populations (Walker, 2016).

Expected Outcomes and Impact

By supplying 3,000 affordable housing units, the project aims to reduce homelessness, improve health and safety standards, and foster community stability. Improved housing conditions will lead to better educational and employment opportunities for residents, thereby contributing to broader social mobility. Moreover, the infusion of construction employment will stimulate local economies, creating a ripple effect beneficial to neighboring businesses and service providers.

Long-term, the project aims to serve as a model for scalable affordable housing solutions that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges. The project's success will demonstrate the importance of integrated approaches combining policy, community engagement, and sustainable construction practices (Schwalbe, 2015).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Affordable Housing Project is an essential intervention addressing the persistent issue of inadequate housing for low- and middle-income Americans. Through strategic planning, effective management, and stakeholder collaboration, the project has the potential to significantly improve living standards and promote social equity. Ensuring access to quality, affordable housing not only benefits individuals and families but also strengthens the social fabric and economic vitality of communities across the nation.

References

• Fleming, Q. W., & Koppelman, J. M. (2016). Earned value project management. Project Management Institute.
• Harrison, F., & Lock, D. (2017). Advanced project management: a structured approach. Routledge.
• Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of project management. Amacom.
• Kerzner, H. (2017). Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
• Meredith, J. R., Mantel Jr, S. J., & Shafer, S. M. (2017). Project management: a managerial approach. John Wiley & Sons.
• Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
• Walker, A. (2016). Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons.
• United States Census Bureau. (2014). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2013. U.S. Department of Commerce.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2018). The State of the Nation's Housing. HUD Reports.
• National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2020). The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes. NLIHC Reports.