Keep commitment of affordable housing

In this economy, the availability of safe, affordable housing in quality communities matters more than ever. Unfortunately, the minibus agreement reached by Congress that provides funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2012 significantly underfunds programs needed to maintain housing for our nation’s most vulnerable.

In a recent poll commissioned by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and conducted by IBOPE Zogby, nearly half of the respondents indicated that they have lost their home, required some sort of housing assistance due to a change in economic status, or know someone who has. Fifty-one percent opposed cutting funding and/or eliminating federal programs that provide housing assistance to vulnerable populations. Of those, 72 percent said they are willing to take action to protect such programs.

As these respondents well know, providing a place to call home for our nation’s families, seniors and veterans must be supported in Washington and remain a national commitment.

Naritta Clark

Elgin