California residents have a decision to make in the upcoming midterm election, as Prop 1 is on the ballot, and it can either help with the housing crisis or continue the upward trend in homelessness and encampments. California’s homeownership rate is 55.3 percent, while the remaining 44.7 percent rent. This rate is 10 percent below the national average, which is concerning. The crisis disproportionately affects communities of color. Only 11 percent of Black and Latino households can afford a median-priced home, compared with nearly 23 percent of white households. Black Californians make up 7 percent of the state’s population but 26 percent of its unhoused population.
“Families are being priced out and forced to move out of their communities, while young people deal with the stress of having to help their families at a young age,” Jessica Hitchcock, Managing Director at California Housing Partnership, said about the housing crisis and how it affects people beyond potential homelessness. “ Seniors on fixed income aren’t left with many housing options with surging rent prices and senior homes being questionable for many reasons. Everyone, regardless of age, is struggling to make ends meet.”
Hitchcock points out that passing Prop 1 would help mitigate housing costs for many, helping them secure homes at better prices and with lower interest. Prop. 1 would allow the state to sell $11.25 billion in bonds to fund various affordable housing programs. Of that total amount, $1.25 billion would go toward veteran housing, while the rest would fund rental homes, homeownership programs, farmworker housing, affordable student housing, tribal housing, and more. The bond is expected to fund up to 40,000 multifamily rental units, while also helping another 40,000 households buy a home.
This prop must pass because so many lives will be affected for the better.” Dr. Ryan J. Smith, President and CEO of St. Joseph Center, said about the prop. “ My center helps over 15,000 people annually with housing, housing programs, mental health, and workforce development programs. The challenges the current economy presents have made it so that no matter the type of help we provide to individuals, if they can’t afford the house or apartment, then it limits the belief people have in the system and programs.”
Smith noted that shelters are overwhelmed, and encampments continue to increase because of the lack of affordability in housing, and it’s going to continue to get worse if the prop doesn’t pass. “ The goal is to find permanent housing for everyone, but like us and many others, it’s difficult to reach that goal when the funding is limited, and the call for help is bottomless. In order for things to get better, it starts with passing the prop.”
