Source Article: https://www.npr.org/2024/04/23/1246623204/housing-experts-say-there-just-arent-enough-homes-in-the-u-s
In a country where finding affordable housing is as tough as looking for a needle in a haystack, NPR’s latest coverage sheds light on the tough realities renters and homebuyers face. People like Natalie French in Albuquerque and Ellen Lamont in Denver are feeling the weight of the housing market’s challenges as they try to find stability in their homes.
Natalie got hit with a huge rent increase, showing how tough it is for renters with prices going up. She had to move back in with family, which is a situation a lot of people can relate to—when rent gets too high, and it’s hard to make ends meet.
Ellen’s story in Denver shows just how hard it is for people trying to buy a home. Even though she and her partner kept trying, they lost out on house after house because of competition and not enough options. It’s a real struggle to own a home these days.
The problem isn’t just about affordable housing — it’s also about not enough homes. Alex Horowitz from Pew’s Housing Policy Initiative says strict zoning rules are making it hard to build houses where people need them most. That means prices keep going up, and it’s tough for everyone to find a place to live.
But there’s some hope in the mix. Places like Minneapolis are changing zoning rules to make it easier to build affordable homes. They’re getting rid of rules and making it simpler to get permits. It’s a good example of how cities can make housing more fair and open to everyone.
And it’s not just cities — states and local governments can help too. If they make rules that allow more affordable homes to be built and cut down on red tape, it can make a big difference. That means less stress for renters and buyers, and more chances for people to find a place they can afford.
Looking ahead, things might start looking up. Communities are starting to take action to fix the housing crisis. If we all work together and push for better rules and policies, we can make sure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.