THE HOMELESS VERSUS AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The holidays are here, and we’ll be entering 2021 along with President Biden and his Vice-President Kamala Harris when they take office in January.  Let’s hope this new administration will address the homelessness nightmare in America. The homelessness and housing situation must be resolved. It has gotten much worse, especially here in Western New York. The combination of rising and sustainable housing cost is causing an affordable housing crisis. Housing costs are wreaking havoc on families and individuals across America, especially in New York, where the cost of housing is continuously increasing. While the population in Western New York grows rapidly, more residents are becoming homeless. Statistics on homelessness in Buffalo and surrounding areas show an increase with the homelessness population by 46% between 2010 and 2017, which correlates with rapid decline in affordable housing.

The cost of housing is getting much higher across America. Despite severe poverty, in the city, fair market rent for housing continues grow, driving the cost of living higher than the income level of many families.  A resident needs to make $32,400 annually  to afford a 2-bedroom apartment, but the city’s median income sits far below that at just $27,400. It has become a struggle to be able to afford housing in Western New York. About 60%  of the local renters are spending 1/3 of their income on housing, jeopardizing funds for other necessities, such as groceries, clothing and transportation. Others look for residence in the market-rate rentals, which are not restricted by affordable housing laws.

Gentrification is transforming previously affordable properties into higher rental costs, creating luxury  apartments. Poverty is the root cause of homelessness. Families are being faced with the reality that they cannot find housing or afford rent. Over 45% of Buffalo residents and Erie county are living below the poverty line. Each year an estimated 5,500 individuals are homeless in Western New York, according to the Western NY Homeless Alliance of Western New York.

For those affected by this reality, contact the Crisis Hotline; it operates 24-hours per day, assisting with food, clothing, and financial support. (716) 834-3131.