Housing/Homelessness / Public News Service

Statistics from the ALICE in Arkansas initiative show a significant increase in the number of ALICE households following COVID. (Zadvornov/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

AR business owners collaborate to help ALICE residents

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

Around 9% of children in Syracuse have high lead levels in their blood. Even low-level lead exposure can harm a child's ability to learn and is linked to attention deficit disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Syracuse water contains dangerously high lead levels

New data show lead levels in Syracuse's drinking water are higher than those in Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey. The city's tests show lead …

Gas stoves emit toxic pollutants in the home, including nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide, and have been attributed to 15% of childhood asthma cases in Massachusetts, according to a study from the Rocky Mountain Institute. (Adobe Stock)

More MA communities strive for building decarbonization

By Sarah Shemkus for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Beyond monthly heating bill aid, Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program also provides funds for those who can't afford re-connection fees charged by their utility provider. (Adobe Stock)

New MN law, heating aid take the chill out of energy burdens

Minnesota is in its first cold snap of the fall season, and a new law aims to protect renters from thermostat hang-ups with their landlord. It …

There are now no consistent renters' rights nationally and some states, like Arkansas, have very few tenants' rights. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

The Des Moines City Council passed a resolution that bans tent camping and criminalizes falling asleep in public, which can result in a $15 fine. (Adobe Stock)

Critics push back on Des Moines' homeless ordinance

The Des Moines City Council has passed an ordinance to reduce the homeless population and help people find alternatives to being on the street…

All Arkansas employers must display an approved Arkansas minimum-wage poster in a prominent place to inform employees about the minimum wage and their worker's rights under Arkansas labor law. GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

A new study finds minimum-wage increases have little or no impact on job loss. The Economic Policy Institute study comes as federal lawmakers …

Montana residents who qualify can receive up to $675 in property tax rebates. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline approaches for Montana tax rebate

Tomorrow is the deadline for Montana residents who qualify to apply for a property tax rebate. The State Legislature passed the measure during its …

A community garden at a DevNW property in Corvallis will provide fresh food and an organizing place for tenants.(Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Five OR organizations receive funding for age-friendly projects

Five organizations in Oregon will receive funds for projects that make their communities more age-friendly. AARP Oregon has selected the quick-…

Federal workers said if the plan known as Project 2025 is enacted, it would upend every government agency. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Federal workers in TX voice concerns about Project 2025

Federal workers are voicing concerns about what they see as the potential impacts of the sweeping policy recommendations known as Project 2025…

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

The U.S. Census Bureau's supplemental poverty measure rose to just under 13% in 2023, up from 12.4% in 2022, despite an increase in median household incomes nationwide. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Census data: More Mainers struggle to meet basic needs

More Maine households struggled to meet their basic needs last year, according to new census data. More than 80,000 Mainers, or roughly 6% of the …

In New Mexico, 70% of extremely low-income renter households face a severe cost burden, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (qingwa/AdobeStock)

America's 2-decade-long housing shortage needs a fix

New Mexico houses cost less to buy than in many other states but there's also less inventory and one data expert does not expect a building boom to re…

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

The median home price in New Hampshire reached $525,000 in 2024, a nearly 13% increase from a year earlier. Rents in the state are up an average 45% since the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Record high home and rental prices top NH voters concerns

Record-high home prices are a top concern for New Hampshire voters and could impact the outcome of this year's gubernatorial race. All the …

Renewal Village's strong partnerships, including with the the Colorado Division of Housing and Adams County, helped tap four million federal dollars to create a new home for families experiencing homelessness. (Galatas)

Renewal Village adds 215 housing units for Denver's unhoused residents

Renewal Village, a converted Clarion Inn featuring 215 units of permanent supportive and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness…

According to Redfin, in 2019 Minneapolis became the first city to eliminate exclusively single-family zoning citywide. (Delores Harvey/Adobe Stock)

AARP NE grant funds design contest for one type of 'missing middle housing'

Drawing attention to a housing option that could make it easier for older Nebraskans to "age in place" is one of the goals of an AARP Community Challe…

A new report by The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana reveals Indiana's housing is aging, with 15% of homes and rental properties built before 1939. (Adobe stock)

Environmental racism threatens Hoosier communities

A new report found Hoosier homeowners and renters face significant challenges from environmental hazards and climate change. "The State of Fair …

U.S. Justice Dept. hits Montana landlord with $25,000 discrimination fine

The U.S. Justice Department has issued a ruling against a Livingston, Montana, landlord for discriminating against a tenant. The consent decree …

Eviction can significantly disrupt a child's life and is experienced by more than 19% of children born to Black mothers and more than 11% born to white mothers. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Grant helps Legal Aid of NE Housing Justice Project amidst rising evictions

From July, 2023 to July, 2024, Nebraska landlords filed more than 10,000 eviction cases. That's compared with an average of around 8,400 filings per …

Bozeman's current Affordable Housing Ordinance was adopted in 2022 to provide incentives encouraging developers to build affordable housing in exchange for permissions to build outside the zoning code, a type of density bonus, according to Forward Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Confronting Bozeman's affordable housing shortage

An advocacy group in Bozeman is calling on young people and low-income renters to take on the city's notorious housing crunch. More than half of the …

The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act has passed the House and was received in the Senate on July 10, 2023. (Man888/Adobe Stock)<br />

Federal bill aimed to help MI homebuyers draws criticism

Michigan has seen a 10% rise in foreclosures this year. The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act, intended to assist middle-class homebuyers…

According to newsbug.info for Illinois, the median monthly rent is $1,627 and almost 33% of Illinoisans are renters. (Adobe Stock)

New IL law widens tenant-landlord divide

A controversial Illinois law signed earlier this month has pushed landlords and tenants even further apart. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Landlord …

As Colorado experiences more extreme heat due to climate change, upgrading to efficient, all-electric appliances can reduce indoor air pollution and provide cooling for Denver's income-qualified residents. (Energy Outreach Colorado)

Colorado's first multifamily housing units upgraded to all-electric

A coalition effort led by Energy Outreach Colorado has completed a first-of-its-kind multi-family electrification project, replacing gas-powered …

A new documentary short captures how these organizations are innovating to open doors for Missoula residents to become property owners (Neighborkworks Montana)

Montana group uses co-op model to take on housing crisis

A coalition of advocates is using a novel approach to address the housing shortage in Missoula, helping renters become owners. Prices and …

Advocates said Arkansans who lost Medicaid coverage are missing vital doctor's visits. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid troubles continue for many AR residents

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, workers at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families are interviewing Arkansans about their …

Community Action Kentucky workers helping deliver food. (Community Action Kentucky/Facebook)

The Economic Opportunity Act: 60 years of service to Kentuckians

This week marks the 60th anniversary of landmark anti-poverty legislation. The Economic Opportunity Act created a network of Community Action …

Six decades ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson forged the War on Poverty by signing the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. (Adobe Stock)

Reflections on 60 years of Economic Opportunity Act in NC

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Economic Opportunity Act became law and in North Carolina, it is a moment to reflect and look forward. The federal …

The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania provides multiple services. In 2023, more than 19,000 low-income individuals received transportation services, bus passes, transport or support for vehicle purchase or repair, according to its annual report. (Adobe)

PA Community Action Agencies work to eradicate poverty

Tuesday marks the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act, enacted in the 1960s as part of a national "War on Poverty." It has made a big …

In the wake of dangerous heat waves, Washingtonians are increasingly adopting air conditioning for their homes. (Victor/Adobe Stock)

Cooling tips important for Washingtonians without AC

Heat is a serious threat to people's health and is made more dangerous in Washington state, where many people lack air conditioning. Some tips can …

A yurt Airbnb rental in Berea, Ky. owned by HomeGrown HideAways. (Facebook/HomeGrown HideAways)<br />

As KY short-term rentals thrive, housing affordability concerns persist

Eastern Kentucky communities are grappling with a ballooning short-term rental market. This year, the town of Stanton in the Red River Gorge was …

Yellow Springs Development Corp. has applied for a $200,000 Department of Energy prize for the microgrid project. The prize winners will be selected by the end of August. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

Solar microgrids bring energy and opportunity to Yellow Springs

The small community of Yellow Springs, Ohio, is leading an innovative effort to harness renewable energy while directly supporting low-income …

More than 425,000 people utilize services at hundreds of community health care centers throughout Connecticut. (Adobe Stock)

CT community health centers fill gaps in affordable, primary care

As Connecticut struggles with a shortage of physicians, community health centers are filling the gap. More than 400,000 state residents, many …

While Missouri has traditionally ranked in the middle among states in the Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual rankings, it has been declining and now stands at 32nd place. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

From rankings to real insights: Missouri’s Kids Count data

Many folks are familiar with the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book, a look at child well-being in every state. In Missouri, the …

Various institutions offer resources to promote financial wellness but additional hurdles remain as institutions debate how to extend resources within diverse communities. (kerkezz/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas banks reach out to 'unbanked' residents

By De'Stani Clark for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-…

Some 55% of Utah's municipal officials say they see community opposition as one of the top obstacles to increasing the amount of affordable housing in their area. (Aisyaqilumar/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report outlines 'perceived barriers' to UT affordable housing

The Utah Foundation polled municipal officials across the state to gain their insights into affordable housing. The report found many officials feel …

As of 2022, West Marion had a population of about 916, according to DataUSA. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Local investment empowers rural NC communities

Rural areas often lack essential resources but one North Carolina community is proving how local action and investment can make a difference…

AARP's Livable Communities initiative aims to provide safe and walkable streets, age-friendly housing and transportation options, access to needed services and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline near for AARP Colorado 2024 Planning Academy

AARP Colorado is encouraging residents, including those age 50 and older, to sign up for its free 2024 Planning Academy. Marissa Volpe, associate …

Activists protested high rents at a Blackstone property in the San Diego area earlier this year. (Fanguiano/Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment)

Tenants’ rights groups press lawmakers to rein in corporate landlords

Tenant's rights groups are asking policymakers to move on several fronts to rein in corporate landlords who they said are worsening California's housi…

Two of three Mainers said they would struggle to pay a $500 medical bill, according to Consumers for Affordable Healthcare. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed rule would benefit Mainers struggling with medical debt

Maine households struggling to pay medical debt could benefit from a proposed federal rule to remove medical bills from credit reports. The rule …

Many Fargo residents want to stay in their communities but are struggling to maintain their properties as they age. (FiledIMAGE/Adobe Stock)

ND seeks better housing for older population

A new design competition is looking to find better housing for Fargo's aging population. Like many other states, North Dakota has a growing number …

Brian Burton with the Arkansas Food Bank said children experiencing malnourishment have a tougher time learning in the classroom. (fotokitas/Adobe Stock)

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

Maryland has more than 750,000 renter households, representing 33% of all households in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD 'housing wage' 9th highest in U.S.

With rising housing costs an ongoing issue, a new report shows how fast rents have increased in Maryland and nationwide. The National Low Income …

According to the Minnesota Housing Partnership, more than 640,000 households across the state are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than they can afford for their housing. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many Minnesotans squeezed by housing costs

Newly released data in Minnesota underscores what housing assistance groups have been preaching - it's become increasingly difficult for many people t…

Currently, 33 states have laws banning or preempting local rent control laws. (Adobe Stock)

National rent-cap proposal could benefit NY renters

Backers of President Joe Biden's rent cap proposal said it could benefit many New Yorkers. The plan calls for capping rent increases at 5% in …

The first time ever sale of federal public land in Nevada would be used for an affordable housing development near Las Vegas. (Paul/AdobeStock)

Nevada gets OK to sell federal public lands for affordable housing

Environmentalists said a first time ever federal decision to allow the sale of a small parcel of national public land in Nevada is an example of "care…

New Mexico is home to 22.9 million acres of public lands, including the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. (MarthaMarks/Adobe Stock)

First win-win for affordable housing, public lands

Environmentalists are applauding a Bureau of Land Management decision to allow the sale of a small national public land parcel for an affordable housi…

Mental health professionals said therapy can play a crucial role in helping ALICE populations cope with mental health issues. (ibreakstock/Adobe Stock)

Financial strains create mental-health issues for AR ALICE population

By LaGanzie Kale for KLEK-FM.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KLEK-FM-Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation-Publi…

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