In high-cost cities, towns, and countries, medium and low-income individuals and families struggle to find a shelter near their job location. In most circumstances, the trade-offs result in improper quality housing that impacts the health and safety of these individuals. Quality and security will get hindered if these issues are left unaddressed. These problems are not new but have always been a part of human society. However, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has provided an impetus to the growing challenge. Hence, it links with the overall lifestyle and wellbeing of the medium-income groups.
It’s because there is a low supply of affordable housing units. Every section of society recognizes the growing gap between demand and supply. Individuals belonging to the workforce are reluctant to report the inadequate condition to the enforcement officials, as they fear losing the meager options of affordable residential units.
In the present situation, an optimistic role of different sections of society may help generate viable results. In this condition, Maxwell Drever suggests private institutions and governments must provide a helping hand to the middle and lower-income groups to get quality living and proper shelters. Hotel owners and landlords must repurpose their estates into residential units. Hence, repurposing old properties is a promising way to solve this problem and ensure enough revenue for landlords and hotel owners.
The role of housing policies
The affordable housing crisis is not only restricted to a few countries but has taken an international stand. It is impacting human lives in multiple ways. Currently, higher authorities and government officials monitor the existing real estate market and try to ensure a quality housing supply. Housing inspection and implementation of housing codes are necessary to solve this issue. High authorities must be considerate of the demand of the workforce population. The workforce population, which includes the service providers, like teachers, firefighters, police officers, medical practitioners, and others, form the backbone of the community, explains Maxwell Drever.
Another solution for this issue of the affordable housing crisis is the proactive role of property owners and hotel owners. Code enforcement may ensure that the current housing options are safe and livable. In high-cost cities, towns, and countries, building codes and construction protocols have only added to the obstacle of new construction. Hence, unlocking the building code is necessary to ensure a proper supply of affordable workforce housing.
What should the government do?
Every government tries to cater to the demands of the population. There is nothing new in this concept. Hence, governments must understand the demands of society and respond to them. The need of the hour is the government’s proactive role in supporting new construction and repurposing old properties into residential units. Local programs and national plans must provide tax incentives and funds necessary for these conversions. They may help the workforce population with direct funds and subsidized housing. Housing is a solution for all because life will become easier for the workforce population. Efforts from all sections must come together.
Quality and security will get hindered if these issues are left unaddressed. These problems are not new but have always been a part of human society. However, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has provided an impetus to the growing challenge. Hence, it links with the overall lifestyle and wellbeing of the medium-income groups.