So far, this narrow focus has helped 62 communities across the country end veteran homelessness. These limited successes do not, however, address the underlying issue of housing affordability. For low-income households, especially those spending a large share of their incomes on housing, an unexpected expense or job loss can lead to eviction. In fact, the vast majority (83 percent) of people experiencing homelessness are not chronically homeless, and many who enter shelters—especially families—come directly from more stable housing situations.
Further progress in reducing homelessness may require new approaches. Some programs use the pay-for-success model to finance interventions, such as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing where funding comes from investors. If the program is successful, investors receive a return and local governments save money on services. Another program that may help to prevent homelessness is the City of Stockton's plan to provide a basic income to low-income residents as an offset to rising housing costs.
So far, this narrow focus has helped 62 communities across the country end veteran homelessness. These limited successes do not, however, address the underlying issue of housing affordability. For low-income households, especially those spending a large share of their incomes on housing, an unexpected expense or job loss can lead to eviction. In fact, the vast majority (83 percent) of people experiencing homelessness are not chronically homeless, and many who enter shelters—especially families—come directly from more stable housing situations.
Further progress in reducing homelessness may require new approaches. Some programs use the pay-for-success model to finance interventions, such as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing where funding comes from investors. If the program is successful, investors receive a return and local governments save money on services. Another program that may help to prevent homelessness is the City of Stockton's plan to provide a basic income to low-income residents as an offset to rising housing costs.
Author Abstract: As Silicon Valley growth has soared, cities have failed to build the housing needed, leading to record traffic delays. From 2010 to 2015, San Mateo County added 72,800 new jobs, but just 3,844 homes: for each new home, that’s 19 jobs. The report also finds that half of San Mateo County’s workers make less than $50,000 per year, and most local homes are priced far out of reach for most local workers.
The report includes brief stories from local workers, who are unable to find housing nearby, are commuting long distances, or are planning to leave the county entirely. “A few years ago, after my husband and I split up, my children and I spent nearly a month in a homeless shelter,” said Myrna Trujillo, a Daly City resident. “Permanent affordable housing saved my life.”
While everyone feels the effects of the shortage, low-income renters and buyers are hit hardest. “Even in Silicon Valley, most jobs are not high-paying tech jobs,” says HLC's executive director, Evelyn Stivers. “Many people work in retail and restaurants or care for seniors and children. The people with the fewest resources and the least flexible jobs are being forced into the worst commutes.”
According to the report, almost half of all new jobs in San Mateo County in the years to come will pay less than $65,000 a year—and many jobs will pay far less than that. Without policy interventions to address housing and transportation in an integrated way, both problems are bound to get worse. The report offers solutions that transit agencies, cities, and the County can all take to move us forward.
Author Abstract: As Silicon Valley growth has soared, cities have failed to build the housing needed, leading to record traffic delays. From 2010 to 2015, San Mateo County added 72,800 new jobs, but just 3,844 homes: for each new home, that’s 19 jobs. The report also finds that half of San Mateo County’s workers make less than $50,000 per year, and most local homes are priced far out of reach for most local workers.
The report includes brief stories from local workers, who are unable to find housing nearby, are commuting long distances, or are planning to leave the county entirely. “A few years ago, after my husband and I split up, my children and I spent nearly a month in a homeless shelter,” said Myrna Trujillo, a Daly City resident. “Permanent affordable housing saved my life.”
While everyone feels the effects of the shortage, low-income renters and buyers are hit hardest. “Even in Silicon Valley, most jobs are not high-paying tech jobs,” says HLC's executive director, Evelyn Stivers. “Many people work in retail and restaurants or care for seniors and children. The people with the fewest resources and the least flexible jobs are being forced into the worst commutes.”
According to the report, almost half of all new jobs in San Mateo County in the years to come will pay less than $65,000 a year—and many jobs will pay far less than that. Without policy interventions to address housing and transportation in an integrated way, both problems are bound to get worse. The report offers solutions that transit agencies, cities, and the County can all take to move us forward.