Still, affordable rent eludes many. Economic Affordable housing is essential to the economic well-being of our citizens and the economic success of our state. Businesses have difficulty maintaining a workforce without affordable places for workers to live. Our economy is held back when significant numbers of us have little money to spend and invest due to the high cost of housing. Environmental Substandard housing can pose environmental health and safety problems.
Housing is also part of the human environment.
Living in shabby or unaffordable housing makes it difficult for us to feel connected to our environment and take responsibility for its well-being. Social Housing is the backbone of a community. If housing is too expensive or of poor quality, it is harder for residents to become connected to that community and develop a sense of belonging. In many of our poorer areas, little money is left over after the rent is paid, so few resources are available to pay for quality education and social programs that can aid in breaking the cycle of poverty. This definition should be standardized.