Bradbard Housing/Homelessness Q1
Housing affordability is clearly a factor in today’s lack of housing for our homeless neighbors, but homelessness is much more complex than simply being about housing costs. Homelessness is also impacted by mental health, substance abuse issues, lack of available supportive services to help stabilize those on the streets, and a lack of public will to create suitable housing for homeless within neighborhoods throughout the region.
With that being said, housing affordability is directly linked to the lack of housing stock across the state. Current studies estimate an additional 1.5 to 3.5 million housing units are needed to meet today’s population needs. Therefore, until we build additional housing of all types – for families, seniors, individuals, and special populations – reducing housing costs and ensuring affordable housing for the homeless and low-wage earners will continue to be a challenge.
