A recent survey from the MacArthur Foundation found Americans overwhelmingly feel that affordable housing is an important part of achieving economic security. In fact, 85 percent of respondents said it was very important to achieving a secure, middle-class lifestyle. The only thing that ranked higher was a good job. Still, a majority of participants also said affordability was a problem in America and that it is more difficult to find an affordable place to live now than it was for previous generations. Julia Stasch, president of the MacArthur Foundation says too many Americans feel their dreams of owning a home are unattainable. “Too many Americans today believe the dream of a decent, stable home, and the prospects for social mobility, are receding,” Stasch said. “Having a decent, stable, affordable home is about more than shelter. It is at the core of strong, vibrant, and healthy families and communities. This survey demonstrates that the public wants action to address the nation’s real and pervasive housing affordability challenges.” The feeling that something should be done to address the issue is strong, with 86 percent of renters and 71 percent of homeowners agreeing that elected leaders should be making affordable housing a priority. More here.
