The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-01-05
Housing Shortage Surprises Veterans
Returning G.T.s Find Obstacles to Realizing Long, Cherished Dreams Of Home; Lumber to Be Rationed

Iuo ehorto80 or adequate nous ing, created by a swollen wartime population which has not decreased since Surrender day, is the number one gripe of returning servicenefl who dreamed of Q quiet home of thelr own during the years they sweat it out on the battlefields of Europe and tho Pacific.
 1t is estimated that more than half of the men returning home from war fronts are prospective householders, But 1t appears from present indications they will re- main in just that category for many months to come.
 Approximately one-third of the men who answer the call to arms during the war years were married. The majority gave up attractive living quarters, while their wives and families doubled up with rela- .tives to keep oown expenses. Most war brides remained with their par- ents and retained their jobs.
 Newly Weeds
 Added to the increasing number of servicemen seeking homes are the newly-weds. Approximately 400 veterans have married since the war ended, ana marriages are now reaching eight day.
 Real estate agents report they are currently marking time with in- laws or other relatives and doing the rounds of real estate offices weekly hoping to find that cosy cot tage for two. But the answers of rental agencies remain the same.
 One veteran is reported to have said, We were better off in the service. At least we had a Soof over our head The most frequent question asked by veterans of real estate men is why the government doesn't take speedier action to ease the housing shortage.
 The city's fighting men who came to know how effectively things move when the government makes demands cannot comprehend why Washington doesn't put a greater effort toward solving the nations most pressing domestic problem.
 Scores of other veterans, 1t is re- ported, are postponing their we'd ding day until they can find ade- quate shelter.
 And while the city's thousands are crying for housing, promises of relief are pushed further and fur ther in the uffing.
 Home builders with thousands of dollars invested in home sites and architects plans long drawn, are merely cooling their heels awaiting materials
 Local lumber yards are bare. And though 1t was reported materials would be available but the turn of the year, recent reports from the Northwest lumber regions indicate ts.at lumber for home building will not arrive in Waterbury until May or June. The woodcutting industry, practically at standstill during the late war years did not start its postwar production program until a few weeks ago. Lumber must dry for six months before it is suitable for use.
 Lumber Rationed
 A spokesman for a large local lumber company said today that when lumber begins to flow to the market. it will be rationed among builders to provide equitable dis tribution. Since ct least three months are required to build a house, it appears new homes will not be available until well into the fall.
 The manager of 6 moving con- cern told The Democrat yesterday that the shifting of the population is about balanced. While many in- emigrants left the city after lay- offs in local factories following Vic- tory day, approximately the same number have moved to Waterbury.