America's housing crisis leaves grandfamilies with nowhere to turn

A growing number of American children are now being raised by their grandparents. Nearly one in three kids live in such households, often called grandfamilies. Yet housing designed for these families remains scarce, leaving many struggling to find safe, affordable homes that meet their needs.

Pemberton Park in Kansas City opened in 2023 as one of the few housing projects built specifically for grandfamilies. Rent is capped at 30% of the grandparent's income, making it far more affordable than typical market rates. The complex filled up immediately, with a long waiting list on its first day.

One resident, Turner, is a single grandparent raising two grandchildren. Like many in the complex, she faces the daily challenge of stretching her budget while ensuring her home is safe for both kids and an older adult. Most U.S. housing is designed either for young families or seniors—but rarely for both at once. Despite the clear demand, no similar large-scale projects have been built or planned since Pemberton Park opened. Only about 10% of American homes are even minimally equipped for ageing in place, leaving grandfamilies with few good options. The lack of suitable housing adds pressure to households already balancing childcare, financial strain, and the physical demands of parenting later in life.

Pemberton Park remains a rare example of housing tailored to grandfamilies. Without more projects like it, many grandparents will continue to face limited choices in a market that doesn't cater to their needs. The high demand for such homes suggests a gap that developers and policymakers have yet to address.