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The Human Right to Housing

March 10, 2009

Having stable housing is one of the most basic needs all people have, a need visibly unveiled by the current economic and housing downturn. Heartland Alliance is dedicated to making the human right of housing accessible to all.

Without stable housing, it becomes difficult to be a productive member of society – to find and hold down a job, to access an education, or to take care of health and family needs. Not having affordable housing is a great hardship for people with low incomes and can lead to increased susceptibility to homelessness, economic tradeoffs that compromise family health and stability, the erosion of wealth, and other serious consequences. These effects stem well beyond individuals and families and impact the stability and viability of entire communities.

Our work in Affordable Housing Research

In a recent study, the Heartland Alliance Mid-America Institute on Poverty found a serious lack of housing in McHenry County, Illinois that falls in the price range of low and even middle-income families. Specifically, the assessment found that:

  • Recent economic trends have destabilized the job market in McHenry County, leading to fewer jobs in the traditionally stable manufacturing sector and more jobs in the lower-paying, less stable service sector. Incomes and earnings have declined as a result.
  • There is a growing poor and low-income population.
  • High home prices remain out of reach for many low- and moderate-income residents.
  • The rental market is minimal and lacks larger units.
  • There is a lack of affordable, accessible, and supportive housing for populations with special needs.

Action Items:

Our Work in Affordable Housing Policy

The current economic downturn has made it all the more important for affordable housing to be addressed by our elected officials in Springfield. Heartland Alliance has been working closely with partner organizations to help secure new funding for the creation of affordable housing for the most vulnerable in our state. Illinois legislators are currently discussing the creation of a multi-billion dollar capital bill for the state that would address many infrastructure needs, including roads, bridges, add schools. We are working to make sure it also includes housing. The health of a community and its infrastructure is dependent on quality housing that serves the needs of everyone. By including housing in the capital budget, the state will not only expand the number of affordable housing opportunities, but also create new jobs.

In the coming weeks, the final conversation about the capital bill will be taking place, and we will continue to advocate with the Governor's office and legislative leaders for the inclusion of $100 million a year in the budget so projects created over the years by those such as Heartland Alliance's housing arm can serve the needs of people in crisis.

Action Items

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