Norcross study reveals who is living in extended-stay motels and why

LiveNorcross survey reveals who lives in 9 of 14 extended-stay hotels within city limits and what barriers they face to finding permanent housing. (Courtesy LiveNorcross)

LiveNorcross survey reveals who lives in 9 of 14 extended-stay hotels within city limits and what barriers they face to finding permanent housing. (Courtesy LiveNorcross)

On Tuesday, LiveNorcross released survey results of the residents living in 9 extended-stay motels within city limits. The groundbreaking study sought to find out who lives in these hotels and what barriers they face to finding permanent housing.

The study found that 9 of the 14 hotels located within city limits serve as the primary residence for many. These nine motels account for 1,249 rooms for rent. Researchers were able to survey 175 residents living among 1,249 available rooms at these motels. Financial challenges represented the primary reason patrons gave for moving into an extended-stay motel.

The majority of these residents have jobs but are struggling financially and can’t afford the upfront financial obligations to move into a rental unit. Sixty-nine percent have one or two full-time jobs, but only 43 percent take home more than $2,000 per month. Only a small fraction receive any public assistance.

The report goes on to recommend several policy changes the city might consider to help alleviate these families' challenges. View the full report: www.tinyurl.com/LiveNorcrossReport.