Crisis in Housing in the U.S.

“Crisis in Housing” (in the US)–the America magazine editorial in its October 14, 2002 issue –discusses the National Low Income Housing Coalition report, Out of Reach 2002.National Low Income Housing Coalition report, Out of Reach 2002, which compares wages and rents throughout the U.S.

Among its findings:
at the fair market rate,the national median hourly wage needed to afford a two-bedroom residence is $14.66.

For many low-income workers, such a wage exists only in their dreams.

Beginning with the Reagan administration in the 1980’s, the federal government has increasingly abandoned its commitment to affordable housing, a situation now aggravated by the present state of the economy.

Solutions to the problem do exist.

Besides raising the minimum wage, Ms. Crowley suggests other steps.

First, expand the number of Section 8 vouchers authorized annually.

Second, preserve the housing we have by investing in bringing it back to decent condition.

And finally, build more housing for very low-income people.

For the NLIHC report, see http://www.nlihc.org/oor2002/index.htm