The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing housing crisis in America, making it nearly impossible for many families to afford rent and avoid eviction.
While temporary relief programs have provided Band-Aids, a more systemic solution is needed to ensure long-term housing stability for vulnerable households.
Federal and state governments should work to strengthen and expand the social safety net for housing.
Options like:
- universal basic income
- increased housing subsidies
- expanded public housing programs
These could help establish an ongoing financial floor for families struggling to keep up with costs of living.
For example, raising the federal minimum wage and indexing it to inflation would give low-income workers more purchasing power to afford rent and other necessities.
Increasing the stock of affordable and public housing is also critical. Non-profit organizations and housing authorities need more federal funding and resources to build and preserve affordable housing units.
Zoning reforms are also needed in many cities to allow for more high-density housing. With greater supply, housing costs overall would stabilize at lower, more affordable rates.
While temporary relief funds have been crucial for mitigating economic hardship, they are limited and short-term solutions. Policymakers must address the root causes of housing insecurity and take bold action to implement systemic reforms.
A stronger, expanded social safety net and greater investment in affordable housing are the types of broad, long-term solutions that will shore up protections for vulnerable groups in any economic climate.
Overall, tackling the housing crisis will require political will and a commitment to helping families keep roofs over their heads not just today but for years to come.
