Affordable Housing, Essay Example

According to a recent We Effect (2012) report, housing today is a global concern. While access to housing and adequate living conditions is a basic human right (We Effect, 2012, p. 1), due to the economic downturn and lack of support provided by local and federal government, the number of people are without suitable accommodation, not only in the developing countries, but the United States of America as well.

The weakness of the housing market today does influence the economy, which, in turn, results in lower budget for housing programs. According to a Bipartisan Policy Center report (2012), there are several challenges originated from the change of population demographics. The growth of the over 65 generation creates extra demand for accessible and affordable homes. On the other hand, the children of the Echo Boom (born between 1981 and 1995) will also need affordable homes, as many of them have been hit by the recession; either lost their home or were unable to buy a house/flat. Therefore, the demand for affordable rental and to-buy properties is likely to grow in the United States. With many families not being able to climb onto the property ladder or struggling with bankruptcy in the past few years, rental accommodation needs to be created to serve those who need affordable and suitable homes.

The “We Effect” document (2012) talks about a collaboration project between local governments and banks to utilize the empty housing stock that is a result of the high number of foreclosures since 2007. Further, access to affordable finance and government support is also needed to help people achieve sustainability. However, without capacity building and collaboration between government agencies and charity organizations, the success is impossible. Another recommendation of the same report call for the creation of housing coopreatives as an affordable option for the poor.

References

Bipartisan Policy Center (2012) Demographic challenges and opportunities for U.S. housing markets. Retrieved from http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/412520-Demographic-Challenges-and-Opportunities-for-US-Housing-Markets.pdf

Board Of Governors Of The Federal Reserve System (2012) The U.S. housing market: current conditions and policy considerations. Retrieved from:<http://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/other-reports/files/housing-white-paper-20120104.pdf>

We Effect (2012) Housing and habitat. Policy Paper. Retrieved from <http://www.weeffect.org/files/2012/12/SCC_Policy_HousingAndHabitat.pdf>