Keeping an American Promise: Safe, Decent, and Affordable Rental Housing for Everyone in Need

Publication Date: November 2008

Publisher: Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law; Clearinghouse Review: Journal of Poverty Law and Policy

Author(s): Judith Levey; Katherine Walz

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: Affordable Rental Housing; Housing; Affordable Housing

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

To meet the growing need for decent, affordable housing, energy must be focused not only on supporting new housing production programs, particularly those aimed at low- and very low-income families, but also on preserving existing affordable rental housing. Although preservation is a national challenge, varied local conditions call for a local response, framed with an understanding of the local housing market, the housing needs of low- and very low-income households, and the level of public and private support for preservation. A recent local initiative in Illinois aims to do just that: preserve the existing supply of affordable rental housing with an infusion of resources, energized commitment, innovative program development, and public-private collaboration.