The housing crisis in the United States is real, and it has been existing for a while now! The sudden pandemic outbreak has aggravated this problem by making many people homeless. The pandemic has also compelled several people to shift to rural and suburban places and search for houses at a low cost. Even though the workforce population can manage a home in remote areas, these aren’t quality homes and impose dangers on their general lifestyle.
Hence, Maxwell Drever says that the government and other concerned authorities must pay heed to this issue and arrive at intelligent solutions. Some of the easy ways to provide a solution include the following:
Allowing the public to take part in the decision
Since everyone is aware of the affordable workforce housing crisis, it is necessary to increase the general awareness about it. Once that gets done, more people will get keener to help with a solution. Today, it is essential to urge public participation in local and state policy-making. Hence, the residents of any chosen place can share their views as they make decisions that impact the community. When the residents take part, it can ensure that the process is enriching, informative, and transparent.
Involve the major players
When you wish to address the low-cost workforce housing crisis and arrive at a solution, you need to get the participation of all stakeholders and interested parties. It can comprise the residents, developers, business owners, the financial community, and the state and federal government representatives. You need to get them all together and allow them to discuss the issue with an open mind. It’s essential to create the right ambiance for discussion. Make sure that these people list their probable suggestions as each suggestion can carry an idea that can resolve the crisis.
The cost solutions
Even though big subsidies are accessible for conventional low-earning housing, the subsidies and the programs for low-cost housing are lesser. Hence, getting better with the funds is necessary to make the most of what is available. Usually, the various layers of investments and loans should be the foundation of finances. The point to start can be the capital from LIHTC. The other funding channels and supportive solutions can differ based on the project and location.
Also, if the private developers get involved, it will act as a game-changer because one can use the money from the tax credit. Usually, there will be buildings with finishes and designs that match the market standards for the buildings to look appealing compared to those built by public authorities developed for more practical purposes.
Last but not least, Maxwell Drever says that it is necessary to keep your community along with you. Usually, the low-cost workforce housing projects can encounter a few hindrances at the start because of rumors and misinformation. If you want to put an end to this, it is necessary to involve the concerned community with your project from an early stage. Once people are convinced about the project, they will have more confidence in your project.
