Housing America 2007 - Sign on to support affordab...

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Author: Mary Barron

Started: July 11, 2007, 3:06:33 pm

Target: U.S. Congress

Category: Government & Politics

Supporters:

Goal:

100,000

Goal Progress:

Status

Active

More than 70 years ago, this nation committed itself to providing a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans. To date, this promise has not been fully realized. With renewed public support and enlightened leadership, we are committed to reestablishing this objective as a national priority.

We believe this is a critical national objective that can only be met through an unwavering federal commitment; an ongoing ability on the part of state and local government to fill in the gaps created by the limits of federal assistance; a dedicated, mission-driven not-for-profit community, and a forward-thinking private sector.

Today, 15.6 million households pay more than half of their income for housing; homeless estimates are nearly 750,000. America is the best housed nation on earth, yet for a growing and more economically-diverse number of families, children, seniors and persons with disabilities, affordable housing in quality communities is illusionary. As individuals, organizations, and a nation, we must do more and do better to help those least able to help themselves.

Safe, decent and affordable housing is pivotal in our society—beyond providing basic shelter, it positively impacts the economy and improves the quality of our environment.

Over the years, the public and private sectors have learned much about the cost-effective provision of affordable housing. Together we know what works, what does not work, and why, yet unmet housing needs in our communities persist. Each in our own way, using the resources available to us, we recommit ourselves today to a national goal of meeting the housing needs of all Americans.