Housing for Homeless:

Permanent Supportive vs. Affordable

Written by Steve Pomeroy

California’s homeless population is estimated to be at least 150,000 with nearly half of that population living on the streets in Los Angeles County. It is estimated that it would cost $70 billion to build ‘affordable housing’ for that number. Currently, ‘affordable housing’ works in 12 out of 3,000 counties in the US. That means a person earning minimum wage can afford the rent for a one-bedroom apartment while it accounts for only 30% of their income. According to Real Estate Investor there are greater than 10 million US households that pay more than 50% of their income on rent. Let’s take a factual look at LA County’s affordable housing crisis:

1. Proposition HHH passed in 2016 raised $1.2 billion from taxpayers to build 10,000 units. Today, 72 units are completed. Mayor Garcetti’s goal was 10,000 units in 10 years.
2. In LA County, 1 out of 10 new units for new construction will be ‘affordable’ versus the US average of 1 out of 7. Both numbers are unacceptable.
3. 2018 median family income in LA County was $69,300. It is widely accepted that a person making $30k can afford up to $750 (30%) per month on rent and utilities.
4. California is one of the most expensive states to live in and the highest taxed.
5. SB50 to increase…