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.

All Contributions Should be Valued

Since 1872, workers have been celebrating Labour Day in some form. A day for all workers to be recognized for their work. This Labour Day, make a commitment to value the work being done around you. Take a moment and think about all those people, everyday, that serve you, that assist you, that keep you on schedule and then take a moment to thank them. Every job should be valued and respected.

Avoid shopping or supporting places that do not provide safe, respectful workplaces and that do not pay their employees a living wage. People that are working for a living, shouldn't be living in poverty in this country.