I am very surprised that there are so few comments. I am working to get affordable housing to the low income and the homeless. I believe that food and shelter is basic and cannot be denied to anyone. Do I see rent control by the government as a solution? Let me give you an example.
One of my acquaintances has been living in a small unit in a small building for several years. He has had problems because the rent is more than he can afford. In this case the owner of the motel has been renting to him because they lost many of their short-term clients due to the amazing success of Airbnb and extreme problems for the motel/hotel industry during the pandemic.
Now, they are suffering from maintenance problems and have decided to give up on the building and are selling it to a developer who plans to tear it down. My acquaintance who is in his 70's, along with the other tenants are trying to sue the present owner as they feel that they could be on the streets in a few weeks.
I don't see the city stepping in to give then vouchers or any other help. We need good affordable housing, and I don't think any place in this nation has a workable plan. That is why I am devoting time to help develop one.
Wow! What a load of invaluable info on this crucial topic! Thanks for the effort that went into this piece.
Thanks, Diane! And thank YOU for all your terrific writing about our housing and poverty crises.
I am very surprised that there are so few comments. I am working to get affordable housing to the low income and the homeless. I believe that food and shelter is basic and cannot be denied to anyone. Do I see rent control by the government as a solution? Let me give you an example.
One of my acquaintances has been living in a small unit in a small building for several years. He has had problems because the rent is more than he can afford. In this case the owner of the motel has been renting to him because they lost many of their short-term clients due to the amazing success of Airbnb and extreme problems for the motel/hotel industry during the pandemic.
Now, they are suffering from maintenance problems and have decided to give up on the building and are selling it to a developer who plans to tear it down. My acquaintance who is in his 70's, along with the other tenants are trying to sue the present owner as they feel that they could be on the streets in a few weeks.
I don't see the city stepping in to give then vouchers or any other help. We need good affordable housing, and I don't think any place in this nation has a workable plan. That is why I am devoting time to help develop one.