How It Works

The Problem

Nationally, early educators earn a median of about $15.41/hour, while typical rents average roughly $2,072/month. Many are pushed to commute long distances to work in more affluent areas simply because they can’t afford to live where they teach.

Our early childhood teachers—the people caring for and educating our children—are being priced out. Without affordable housing, teachers cannot stay, and families lose trusted educators.

How Ubuntu Solves this Problem

Ubuntu Alliance exists to allow teachers to live affordably in the communities where they work, thus enabling them to thrive in their profession. To do this, Ubuntu uses a unique two-prong approach.

• Monthly Rent Subsidies

  Ubuntu Alliance provides monthly rent subsidies to early childhood teachers.

  • Teachers can use these subsidies in any rental housing in the communities where they work—whether it’s an apartment, a shared home, or one of the new units developed within a teacher community.

  • Donations go directly to teachers and are used exclusively to subsidize rent.

• Building Teacher Communities

  Beyond rent support, Ubuntu Alliance is working on long-term housing solutions.

  • We partner with landlords and builders to lease land and create homes for teachers.

  • These teacher communities provide affordable housing and a sense of belonging, helping educators stay rooted where they teach.

By combining immediate rent relief with sustainable housing development, Ubuntu Alliance creates both short-term stability and long-term solutions for early childhood educators.