Housing/Homelessness / Public News Service

According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, more than 2,300 people in Arkansas experience homelessness on any given day. (Artur/Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 7, 2022

AR Groups Keep Fighting for Those Who Fall Behind on Rent

Groups challenging the criminal consequences for failing to pay rent in Arkansas say they'll take another run at it, perhaps as a class-action …

Out of all affordable U.S. states, New Mexico has the least home inventory, according to the rental asset management company, Stessa. (keelymiller/Pixabay)

NM Dilemma: Affordable Housing vs. Climate Change

A shortage of housing in New Mexico's largest cities forces many to drive hundreds of miles a day for jobs, making it harder to fight climate change…

Electric ranges have been shown to emit fewer toxic chemicals than gas stoves. (Di Studio/Adobe Stock)

Proposal Would Lower WA Residential Buildings' Carbon Footprint

Washington state is considering a cleaner future for its buildings. The Washington State Building Code Council is holding public hearings, including …

Salt Lake City had a 24.6% increase in rental costs between 2019 and 2022, the third-highest in the country, according to real estate data firm Stessa. (DoubletreeStudios/Adobe Stock)

Study: Skyrocketing Housing Costs Putting the Squeeze on Utah Renters

The average cost of keeping a roof over your head in Utah's metro areas is a lot more than it used to be - if you're renting. A recent University …

According to the Richmond Eviction Lab, several parts of the city's Southside neighborhood saw 67 percent of eviction filings during the first quarter of 2022. (Jon Anders Wilken/Adobe Stock)

Evictions in VA Continue to Grow

Evictions are on the rise in Virginia after numerous protections provided by federal and state rental assistance programs ended. According to the …

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., says she plans to call a legislative hearing on the practices of credit reporting agencies. (Kalafoto/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Groups Press for Bill to Reform Credit Reporting

Consumer groups are pressing for legislation to reform the way credit agencies handle errors on credit reports. The calls to amend the Fair Credit …

A number of cities across the country are increasingly using tiny homes as cost-saving alternatives to help shelter people experiencing homelessness. (Sirikornt/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit Group Builds Tiny Homes to Shelter AZ Youths

By Lourdes Medrano for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Arizona News Connection, reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

Community housing groups say extreme weather events are one of several reasons aging homes are running into repair backlogs, and that for many homeowners, securing a home-improvement loan is difficult. (Adobe Stock)

Housing Crisis: Government Help for Older Homes Seen as Solution

As the housing market navigates a sea of obstacles, community-level organizations in Minnesota are urging governments to take a closer look at their …

Dr. Jamestta Ferguson, founder of Molo Community Development Corp., says grassroots organizations are working to address decades of disinvestment in Louisville's historically Black neighborhoods. (AARP KY)

Neighborhood Org Pushes for Economic Development in West Louisville

A pastor and community leader in Louisville is working to boost economic development and raise the quality of life on Louisville's West end. …

Some 18,000 children on average experience homelessness each year in Colorado, according to most recent Colorado Department of Education data. (Adobe Stock)

Solving Homelessness Key to Success in Multiple National Priorities

"Opportunity Starts at Home," a short documentary film released this week by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, exposes how housing …

Groups working on housing issues for military veterans say that in order for them to have a stable future, finding a place to live is one of the most important things to take care of right away. (Adobe Stock)

Calling All ND Landlords: Providers Urged to Consider Vets for Housing

In North Dakota and around the country, goals are being pursued to help military Veterans find permanent housing. Groups leading the effort say …

The lack of affordable housing has become an issue in states across the country, and it's even more dire if someone has to mention in their rental application that they have a criminal record. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

In Housing Crisis, Montanans with Criminal Records Face Higher Hurdles

It's hard for almost anyone to find housing in Montana right now, but the barriers are even higher for people with criminal records. Low …

Ductless heat pumps are an energy-efficiency option that also provide air conditioning. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

WA Push Heats Up to Make Homes Greener, Healthier

Washington state wants to make homes for its most vulnerable residents greener and healthier. It started with a needs assessment from the Department …

Consumer surveys indicate hope that inflation is slowing down, but analysts say there's legitimate concern about how higher prices are affecting household budgets. (Adobe Stock)

Gauging Inflation's Impact on Foreclosure Activity in MN, U.S.

In the first six months of this year, the U.S. saw a significant jump in foreclosure filings, coinciding with concerns about the pressure inflation …

A shortage of affordable housing is seen as one reason for a spike in eviction cases in Virginia. According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, the state needs 153,415 affordable rentals for people who are extremely low-income. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Evictions on the Rise After Rent Relief Ends

With Virginia's Rent Relief Program ending, a flood of eviction cases has emerged. Established during the pandemic, the program was designed to help …

People can wait up to three years to get into affordable housing in Spokane, Wash. (Zach/Adobe Stock)

Innovative 'Land Bank' Could Bring More Affordable Housing to WA

Washingtonians are feeling the squeeze from high housing prices, but a novel concept launching in Spokane could speed up the creation of affordable …

Nebraska lawmakers improved conditions for low-income families during the pandemic by expanding eligibility for SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps, and providing support for child care. Both initiatives are set to sunset next year. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Ranks First Nationally in Child Economic Well-Being

Nebraska ranks first in the nation when it comes to promoting children's economic well-being, a significant indicator under the spotlight in the …

The gap between rents and wages is wider in rural areas of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Report Confirms Rents are Skyrocketing in Ohio

A new study shows there is no place in Ohio - or the United States, for that matter - where a person who's working at minimum wage full-time can …

The St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield regions are set to lose the largest number of affordable housing units in the next year. (sommart/Adobe Stock)

MO Group Warns of Rental Units Losing Affordability Requirements

In the next five years, roughly 8,000 affordable housing units in Missouri may no longer be affordable. The state's Low Income Housing Tax Credit …

A report from the Social Science Research Council says in the recovery from the 2008 housing crisis, the typical white family's wealth losses slowed to zero, while the typical Black family lost an additional 13% of its wealth. (Adobe Stock)

Foreclosure Prevention Takes On MN's Racial Housing Gap

An uneven pandemic recovery, along with inflation, is fueling concern about foreclosure activity. In Minnesota, there is a push to ensure households …

About 800,000 veterans call Pennsylvania home, the fourth-largest veterans' population in the country. Nationwide, at least one in 10 people who are unhoused is a military veteran. (MISHELLA/Adobe Stock)

State Reaches Out to Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is reaching out to veterans who are experiencing homelessness, a number that's close to 1…

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimates that a family would need to make at least $45,416 per year to afford the average two-bedroom rental home in Nevada. (Zimmytws/Adobestock)

Congressional Hearing This Week Tackles Housing Crisis

Local housing advocates are speaking out ahead of a congressional hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee this Wednesday called "Nowhere to …

At HUD's Fair Market Rent, the annual income renters need in New York State to afford a two-bedroom home is $70,782. (Adobe Stock)

'Affordable' Housing Needs New Definition in NY, US

The reality of "affordable" housing is changing in New York, and advocates for renters' rights argued it is time for an update. For years, …

Albuquerque is the first New Mexico city to prevent property owners from screening out applicants who plan to pay their rent using Section 8 vouchers. (benefits.gov)<br />

Albuquerque Ordinance Set to End Discrimination Against Renters

A new law in Albuquerque will soon prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to people based on their source of income. The ordinance is designed to …

Denver estimates it has a shortage of 27,000 housing units considered affordable for families earning less than 30% of the area median income, about $33,000 a year for a family of four. (Adobe Stock)

End of an Era Aiding Homeless in Colorado

Not long after the Reagan administration's massive cuts to public housing and housing assistance, John Parvensky saw a need to help people facing …

Outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world visit rural Pitkin County, where more than one-third of homes are second homes or homes intended for seasonal use. (Adobe Stock)

Addressing Affordable Worker Housing in Mountain Resort Towns

By Sarah Melotte for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabor…

In 2020, 2.6 million more U.S. households became homeowners compared with 2019, according to the National Association of Realtors. (Pipkin Family/Self Help Credit Union)

Credit Unions Offer Programs to Help First-Time NC Homebuyers

June is National Homeownership Month - and some North Carolina credit unions and banks say they're working to reduce the racial wealth gap by offering…

Members of the LGBTQ community are far less likely to own a home than those who are not. (teksomolika/Adobe Stock)

Pride Month: LGBTQ Housing Discrimination Lingers in MT

Pride Month during June highlights the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, which have long faced discrimination…

When Category 4 Hurricane Harvey made landfall on Texas and Louisiana in August 2017 it killed more than a hundred people. (army.mil)

It's Hurricane Season in Texas – Do You Have a Plan?

State agencies gathered in Austin last week for hurricane exercises. They emphasize that all Texans need to prepare before the next disaster…

Researchers looking at disparities in children's well-being in North Dakota say the issues play out into adulthood. People of color with a bachelor's degree or higher earn $4 less in median hourly wage than their white peers. (Adobe Stock)

Report Examines Needs, Well-being of BIPOC Youth in ND

North Dakota is seeing more diversity within its youth population, but researchers say they face a tougher road in securing a brighter future…

Citing lower demand than other states, North Dakota officials returned a significant portion of emergency pandemic rental aid to the federal government this year. But officials say the state still has roughly $200 million on hand for those who need it. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Improvements, ND's Rental-Aid Issues Persist

Some North Dakota groups are renewing calls for the state to be more efficient in dispersing emergency pandemic rental aid. They say improvements …

Only about 21% of the nation's housing stock can be found in rural communities. (Adobe Stock)

Getting Creative to Fix Affordable Housing Issues in Rural Iowa

Higher mortgage rates and skyrocketing rents have fueled the nation's housing crisis. In states like Iowa, rural communities deal with the same …

The number of people who live out of their vehicles is estimated to be on the rise nationwide because of a lack of affordable housing. (Adobe Stock)

As Housing Costs Soar, TN Criminalizes Camping on Local Public Property

As Tennesseans struggle with skyrocketing living costs, a bill making it a felony to camp on local public property is slated to go into effect July 1…

Energy Outreach Colorado has helped Coloradans pay overdue utility bills at an average cost of $591, where previous bills averaged between $400 to $500. (Adobe Stock)

Coloradans Brace for Higher Energy Bills in Summer

Coloradans are not likely to see much relief in their utility bills any time soon, as a late May cold spell gives way to the full heat of summer…

Native Americans make up about 6% of Montana's population. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Low Homeownership Rates Hurt MT Native Americans

After a history of forcible removal from their land, Native Americans now struggle to own homes. Until recently, indigenous people had little …

With the pandemic inspiring people to move to Montana, the state can't build fast enough to keep up. (Jim/Adobe Stock)

MT Housing Crisis Grows, But Some Protections Available

Montanans across the state are facing a housing crisis. Prices both to rent and buy a place to live have skyrocketed, leaving vacancy rates extremely …

Arkansas is short more than 50,000 affordable rentals for extremely low-income households, according to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. (Adobe Stock)

Second Round of American Rescue Plan Dollars Heads to Arkansas

Arkansas is poised to receive its second round of American Rescue Plan funds, more than $786 million, to help residents still facing the pandemic's …

One of Mayor Eric Adams' citywide amendments - Zoning for Zero Carbon - would facilitate building retrofits, including allowing more rooftop coverage for solar panels. (New York City Office of the Mayor)

'City of Yes': NYC Mayor Unveils Zoning Amendments for Economic Recovery

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled a plan to use the city's zoning tools to support small businesses, create affordable housing and promote …

Cleveland had the highest foreclosure rate in the country in the first quarter of 2022. (Tim Evanson/Flickr)

Funding Available to Stem Foreclosures in Ohio

Ohio homeowners who are struggling to stay afloat because of the pandemic may qualify for special assistance. A U.S. Foreclosure Market Report in …

Experts cite a lack of affordable housing, systemic racism and inadequate safety nets as contributors to the nation's homeless crisis. (schluesseldienst/Pixabay)

Santa Fe Converts Route 66 Hotel to Affordable Housing

The conversion of a 60-year-old Santa Fe hotel should offer those seeking affordable housing, including the city's homeless community, a new lease on …

In many instances, say groups that provide free counseling for struggling homeowners, people behind on payments are unsure what to do because they get so many warning letters in the mail. They say it makes it harder to take action. (Adobe Stock)

Foreclosure Pressure Not Easing for Some Minnesotans

Higher consumer costs and expired pandemic protections are putting more Minnesotans on the brink of losing their homes. Some areas are seeing higher …

Kids in 10th and 12th grades in New York City shelters had attendance rates below 70%, meaning they missed the equivalent of more than a week of school in a single month (Oct. 2021), according to a new policy brief. (Adobe Stock)

NYC Youth in Shelters Face School Attendance Challenges

New York City students in insecure housing situations continue to have alarmingly low school attendance rates, heightened by the pandemic. Youth …

679 people who were counted in the 2022 Point in Time survey are chronically homeless. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

MaineHousing: Better Data Collection Can Help Reduce Homelessness

Data from Maine's annual Point in Time homelessness survey has been released, showing 4,411 individuals were experiencing homelessness on Jan…

A revised federal spending plan for Community Action Agencies creates a new Broadband Navigator discretionary program to help connect low-income families to high-speed internet. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Considers Providing More Local Support to Fight Poverty

May is Community Action Month, and local agencies helping low-income families hope Congress signs off on a plan to bolster and modernize their …

Oregon is one of eight states that conduct their elections completely by mail. (Scott Van Blarcom/Adobe Stock)

OR Called an Easy State to Vote In, But Could Do More

Oregonians have the easiest time casting their votes in the nation, according to studies and can vote in almost any situation. Open access to the …

The state has $1.7 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan dollars. It must be used by 2024 or returned to the federal government. (Adobe Stock)

PA Officials Call for Boosting Property Tax Rent Rebate Program

Pennsylvania lawmakers and community leaders gathered in Montgomery County Wednesday, urging the General Assembly to use $204 million in unspent …

Senate Bill 154 would require assisted facility owners to check Colorado's Adult Protective Services Data System prior to hiring an employee who is responsible for the care and welfare of residents. (Adobe Stock)

Measure to Protect Assisted-Living Residents Advances

Colorado residents in assisted-living facilities could soon have the same protections in place under federal law at nursing homes. Senate Bill 154 …

Arkansas joins Nebraska as the only two states to reject the latest offer of federal rental-assistance funds for low-income households. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansas Rejects Most of Latest Federal Rental-Assistance Funds

Arkansas is declining most of the $146 million made available in a second round of Emergency Rental Assistance from the federal government. Critics …

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