Affordable Housing Should be Good Politics

From Smart Communities post of same name.

If you want to change the prospects for working and poor families, provide housing options for them that are safe and affordable. With too many families paying one-third or more of their monthly income on rent in the some cities and rural areas, we need to find a better way.Investing as a nation in children's health and places for them to live are the investments that keep on giving. These are not just "feel-good" appropriations but ones that help secure working families and prevent--yes prevent-- problems down the road.

How can I expect a parent to provide a learning environment if their home is under threat? How does a mother provide adequate nutrition if the money is gone before the month ends? I am not usually a fan of systemic solutions but this problem is so big (with the potential to explode) that it requires some intervention. In Calgary, we have a group; the 10 Year Plan to end Homelessness, who now recognize that there are nearly 100,000 people paying 35-45% of their income on housing. Imagine adding that many to the existing shelter/support system.

We need to figure out how to value work so that everyone can earn a wage that provides enough for basic needs, saving for the future and security (living wage) and create living environments that are safe, legal and comfortable at an affordable price. This will require some leadership and a tremendous amount of new thinking.