Affordable Housing

MIT's Living Wage Calculator identified Darke County's living wage for an individual working fulltime at $20.69 per hour (February 2026), with increases depending on number of working people and children in the household. At the same time, many people struggling with addictions or at-risk for addictions are SSI recipients, which is currently $994 per month for an individual, or $1,491 per month for a couple. Best practices recommend no more than 30% of income is spent on housing — which means for the vulnerable and at-risk populations, housing must be available at the $300.00-$447.00 per month price range. An initial review of housing options in June 2026 identified only 1 apartment in Darke County available at that rate.

In some cases, recipients may be eligible for HUD Vouchers. However, as of the July 14, 2026 Darke County Continuum of Care Report, no new funds are available in Darke County for Housing Vouchers. While nearly 200 households are receiving vouchers, there are nearly 250 households on a waiting list with no additional funding available. As utilities, food and gas prices increase, people with fixed wages and income are at greater risk for housing instability and homelessness.

Here, the Task Force will provide free listings of housing opportunities where monthly payments are less than 30% of net household income based on a variety of factors.