(Washington D.C., Thursday, May 2, 2019) – In a new poll, 46% of American adults said they would prefer to live in a community with access to better schools and/or childcare, but cannot afford to do so; while 58% say communities with better job opportunities are too expensive for them to live in.

To identify innovative solutions to this housing affordability crisis, Fannie Mae is announcing a call for ideas that expand access to and increase the supply of quality affordable housing, and use housing as a lever to improve education outcomes and economic mobility for low-income households.

The Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge, a two-year, $10 million commitment by Fannie Mae to find promising solutions that address the nation’s shortage of affordable housing through partnerships in sectors adjacent to housing.

The Challenge is seeking innovative ideas, including mature ideas and proven models that are ready to scale, that expand access to quality affordable housing for underserved and low-income people, while creating opportunities in education and forging pathways to economic mobility. An Expert Advisory Panel will assist in the evaluation of ideas and Fannie Mae will select contract awards up to $1.5 million.

Applicants are asked to submit ideas that respond to one of the following problem statements:

• How might we prepare a workforce that is ready to participate in job opportunities that drive technological innovation in the housing industry?
• How might large employers or anchor institutions partner with the housing industry to ensure every resident in a community has a path to safe, quality, affordable housing?
• How might we use housing to increase the availability of and access to high-quality early childhood care and education that meets the needs of families in underserved areas?
• How might housing and education entities from the public, private, or nonprofit sectors partner to provide stable home and school experiences for very low-income students?

For more information about The Challenge and to apply, please visit http://www.fanniemae.com/thechallenge/