Build a Solution to the Affordable-Housing Crunch
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Toni Willingham and Robert Messick's slide into homelessness mirrors the federal government's shrinking commitment to affordable housing. The story of this young couple ["In N.Va., Let Down by a Rising Economy; High Housing Costs and an Unpredictable Job Market Send Growing Numbers Into Poverty and Homelessness," Metro, Feb. 27] illustrates the need for increased spending on affordable housing.
They are among 8.8 million Americans unable to find decent, affordable apartments. One key reason those apartments are so hard to find is that they were never built. More than two decades ago, the federal government essentially quit producing rental housing for households with the lowest incomes. Public housing construction was "out." Homeownership was "in."
The underfunded Section 8 rental assistance program reaches only a fraction of needy households. As a result, housing waiting lists are long, homeless shelters operate at capacity and lives are put on hold. Ms. Willingham and Mr. Messick are part of the new, leaner economy where families are just one paycheck or one illness away from homelessness.
Congress needs to strengthen the role of public housing and recognize its rich history of supporting families with basic, secure housing in times of need.
KATHI WHALEN
Housing Policy Analyst
Public Housing Authority Directors Association
Washington
