Affordable Housing for Low Income Families Essay - 582 Words

Affordable Housing for Low Income Families For those of us with warm roofs over our heads and groceries on the table the problem of affordable housing does not often surface. But for low-income families, where half the income can disappear simply trying to keep the family sheltered in an acceptable home, the problem is a daily one. President of the BRIDGE Housing Corporation Donald Terner and columnist Brad Terner argue that affordable housing is a problem that should involve everyone. From your local supermarket clerk to your child’s science teacher, the problem of affordable housing can affect us all. Terner presents the beginning of a solution to the affordable housing problem in his article Affordable Housing: An Impossible†¦show more content†¦Inman focuses on the contrast between wealthy home buyers and average home buyers to motivate the public to act. Though no specific action is suggested as in Terner’s article, Inman’s argument inspires action because the implications of not having affordable housing are so clearly laid out. In addition to spouting out the statistic that 33% of the average income goes towards a house, Inman spells out the situation by concluding, â€Å"†¦for everyone [not rich], a basic house can be a serious economic drain.† (Inman, p. 7) Inman values proportional equality for American citizens as he points out the ludicrous gap between rich and not-rich home purchases. The way I see it, the amount one spends on a home is already proportional to what one earns. Inman argues in favor of equality between rich and not-rich families, but I believe this opposes the American Dream of earning your fortune and home. Inman bases his argument around the envy the average American might feel upon hearing that some people can afford a three-room library in their home. But how often will you really find such a three-room library? Inman’s is an unrealistic comparison. Of course there are a few filthy rich individuals who can afford to buy and trade houses â€Å"like the rest of us buy shoes and socks.† (Inman, p. 7) This, however, is a biased simile on Inman’s part because I seriously doubtShow MoreRelatedThe True Cost Of Living1014 Words   |  5 PagesCost of Living Affordable Housing is a subject that every federal, state, and policy maker has to address. With high homelessness rates, there has to be ways to provide affordable housing to those in need (NationalHomeless.org). A family must have acceptable housing options to have a positive quality of life. 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