Article Abstract:
Affordable housing is defined as that which offers adequate shelter to low-income families and which does not cost these households more than 30% of their income. Making houses affordable to more people is a major problem in the US. Housing affordability problems fall under four categories: low-income shelter affordability, homelessness, homeownership affordability and regional exclusivity due to high housing costs. Such problems may be alleviated by the creation of more inexpensive housing by constructing new low-cost units and by making existing units more affordable to a greater number of people. Affordability problems may also be eased by developing strategies for increasing household incomes and minimizing housing occupancy expenses. Housing advocates should band together to encourage state governments to adopt housing affordability measures.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Public housing for senior citizens is not receiving the funding or management attention it deserves. The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) does not have a standing committee for analyzing the needs of the elderly. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not even seem to have a list of the senior citizen's projects it has funded. The problem stems from the attitude that money can diverted from senior housing to pay for the shortfall in family housing. Senior housing often does not have on-site management or support staff. Suggestions for improving the situation include: an official NAHRO policy and initiatives regarding seniors; the formation of a senior housing executive position in HUD; and research by local housing administrations.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Recent economic expansion has driven the price of housing up in many areas beyond the affordability of most low- and middle-income workers. Some companies have developed housing assistance programs which provide employees with mortgage guarantee programs and down-payment loans, but current federal laws act as disincentives for the development of corporate housing programs. Four law alterations are suggested to change the situation, including allowing housing benefits to be an authorized personnel benefit, and treating housing assistance programs to be treated as tax advantaged personnel benefits.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: