Affordable Housing
Here, as everywhere else, there is a desperate need for affordable
housing, and a lot of people agree. However, there is an epidemic of 'not
in my back yard' syndrome, which I can completely understand.
In the meantime, condo's, and apartment buildings that are strictly
designed for the rich, are popping up all over the place, while more and
more people are becoming homeless. All you have to do is look in any
newspaper at the rents that are being charged per month. They are out of
reach for many people, then they have to pay hydro, phone, etc., on top of
that.
By creating low income, green communities, it would help alleviate the problem.
These communities would be built with sweat equity, in other
words, if you want to live there, you have to work on the construction etc.
If a person takes pride in what they have done, they are less
likely to destroy it, or tolerate anyone else doing that either.
I have lived in a low income row-house complex, and in the time
that I lived there, which was almost a year, I can't remember the police ever
showing up even once. Every person and family there, was poor, and no
one cared. There was no judgement or condemnation.
In the communities, some of the housing would have to be pet friendly. This is one
of the main problems the homeless face when shelters open up due to
extreme weather. Shelters will not allow them to take their animals with
them. Their pets are protection, warmth, and unconditional love.
Any pet owner can attest, you do not want to leave your animal either outside in the elements by themselves, or put into an animal shelter without you. The homeless are no different.
The communities would have daycare’s, run by volunteer moms who live
there. Even if moms take turns looking after the children. This would help
out those residents with children to be able to go out to look for employment, go to work, or
attend school.
Community gardens for the residents would be encouraged. All produce
would first go to the residents, then if there is a surplus, they could sell the
produce and keep the proceeds, or perhaps some of the produce may
be given to the food banks.
Small problems would be fixed by the tenants, or someone who lives in
the complex, or if it is a major problem it would be fixed
promptly. Too often, in low income places, the managers just don't care. For
example, if an elevator stops working, and there are people living on
one of the upper floors, especially those for whom climbing stairs is
extremely difficult or impossible, the manager or building owner take their
sweet time addressing the problem. This is not acceptable, and would not
be tolerated in the complexes.
I know that some of the tenants need to have their rent paid direct, but the Landlords would have to prove the tenant still lives there. There are times when a tenant has been evicted or just left, but the Landlord continues to collect the rent.
The communities themselves would be a safe haven for those who live there.
Anyone living there would be expected to pull their weight, even those who
move in after the complex has been built.
