This evening I went to a meeting here in town addressing what to do with the many homes that sit empty year round while there is a housing shortage and also rent is unaffordable for many. It is no joke. If you survive on a single income you better have money. Or you need to have a partner of some sort to share living expenses with, live with family or a roommate or several rommates. And not everybody has a partner or wants to live with roommates. I know of many people that work full time that struggle with rent. You should be able to survive on one income with no problem, not too much to ask I think.
I believe in affordable housing for all. I believe that a roof over one's head is a basic human right. The suggestion brought up on tonight's meeting is to put a tax on homeowners with homes that sit empty for most of the year. I am totally OK with that. Other cities in the country are already doing this. And the income generated from that tax would go towards improving the housing situation for the local people in town that are in some sort of need. Basically.
I also think that large unused commercial buildings should be put to use. Either converted into housing or affordable storage units. Many churches have a lot of space and can put up people that need a roof over their head. Unless you WANT to be houseless you shouldn't have to be. Yea I know it is a complex issue and it is not my job to figure it out. I am far from an expert but I do care and I want to work for a change.
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