The Quadruple Bottom Line and Nonprofit Housing Organizations in the United States

• Published in: Housing studies Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 438 - 456
• Main Author: Bratt, Rachel G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Harlow Taylor & Francis Group 01.06.2012; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Affordable housing; Commitments; Finance; Financing; Housing; Housing needs; hybrid organizations; Market; Neighbourhoods; Non-profit organizations; Nonprofit housing organizations; Nonprofit making organizations; Nonprofit organizations; Private sector; Social housing; Social policy; State court decisions; U.S.A; United States > US
• ISSN: 0267-3037; 1466-1810
• DOI: 10.1080/02673037.2012.677016

The work of US nonprofit housing organizations can be viewed as involving a commitment to meet the Quadruple Bottom Line-the financial demands of developing and maintaining affordable housing while serving resident groups and neighborhoods, in an environmentally responsible manner. Nonprofit organizations may be categorized into three major groups, based on their primary areas of concern-'people', 'places' and 'projects'. This article outlines the components and approximate size of the US social housing sector and presents examples of how housing nonprofits have, both historically and currently, evolved to incorporate multiple roles. With declines in federal funding for affordable housing, nonprofits have become increasingly hybrid in their operations. Examples are given regarding how nonprofits attempt to mediate the private market; how the various components of the Quadruple Bottom Line often compete with one another; and how hybridity of the nonprofit social housing sector creates additional challenges for these groups. The final section presents policy directions for supporting nonprofits.