Guest commentary: The importance of affordable housing
Affordable housing provides fundamental stability to a community. Hurricane Ian has eliminated those homes and rentals that our workforce and seniors could afford.
Our islands are dependent on the medical, police, firefighters, teachers, skilled labor, postal and hospitality workers. They are the backbone of the community.
Our island seniors are the pioneers who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the community and now need our help.
Employees spend 30% to 50% of their income on housing alone. That puts them as rent burdened and, in many cases, in the severely rent burdened category, according to the Waller, Weeks and Johnson Rental Index.
Community Housing and Resources provides that assistance.
CHR is faced with many challenges, including repairs to existing buildings, the loss of 11 units, and high insurance premiums and deductibles.
CHR has been in service since 1979 and will continue to fulfill our mission.
Nicole Decker-McHale is executive director of Community Housing and Resources. The non-profit organization’s mission is to provide affordable housing for families and individuals who work and who serve the island community. For more information, visit https://sanibelchr.org/.