As an advocate for equitable housing solutions, I am deeply concerned about the lack of affordable housing across our state—particularly in the Coachella Valley.
Affordable housing isn’t just about shelter; it’s about equity, economic stability, social cohesion and the very fabric of our American culture. All people need to have the ability to pursue the American dream, no matter our income status. In this pivotal moment, as we evaluate political candidates and ballot measures, it’s imperative that we support concrete plans to address the housing crisis.
The data draws a dark picture. Per the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a shortage of 7.3 million affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters in the United States. In addition, wages have stagnated while housing costs have soared, leaving millions burdened by unaffordable rents and at risk of houselessness. In one of the world’s richest nations, this is a systemic failure that undermines the prosperity and well-being of our entire country.
In the Coachella Valley, the demand for low-cost housing far exceeds the available supply. According to a report by the California Housing Partnership, the Coachella Valley has a deficit of more than 30,000 affordable rental homes, leaving many residents struggling to find adequate and affordable housing options. This shortage is exacerbated by factors like high housing costs, limited rental vacancies and a significant portion of the population earning low to moderate incomes. The lack of affordable housing not only strains household budgets; it also poses challenges to the region’s economic development.
As a nonprofit affordable-housing developer, the Community Housing Opportunities Corporation exists to help ease that strain for working, low-income families and individuals across California. Specifically in the Coachella Valley, our soon-to-open 56-unit Placita Dolores Huerta community is a significant milestone for the desert area as efforts to bridge the affordable housing gap evolve. Despite the complex’s successful development, however, ample work must be done to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis—and that work starts at the ballot box.
Vague promises and platitudes won’t solve this crisis locally, regionally or nationally. We need leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and implement tangible solutions. That means investing in affordable-housing development, preserving or renovating existing affordable units, and expanding rental-assistance programs. It means zoning reforms that encourage economically integrated neighborhoods and combat exclusionary practices. It means tackling systemic issues like discrimination and inequitable access to credit and similar resources.
Some may argue that addressing affordable housing is too costly, too complex or not effective. The truth is, we cannot afford not to act. The cost of inaction is measured not just in dollars, but in lives lost. Study after study has shown that stable housing is a linchpin for health, education and economic opportunity. For example, a report by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council states that individuals experiencing houselessness are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions compared to the general population. Stable housing provides access to consistent health-care services, allowing individuals to better manage and treat these conditions. And research published in the Journal of Children and Poverty indicates that stable housing is positively correlated with improved educational outcomes like higher graduation rates and better academic performance. When families are forced to spend an exorbitant portion of their income on rent, they have less money for food, health care, education and other essentials. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty that causes declining health, stifles upward mobility and perpetuates intergenerational inequality.
Furthermore, the lack of affordable housing exacerbates houselessness, strains social services and undermines public safety. It’s a crisis that touches every aspect of our communities, and it demands bold and comprehensive solutions. That’s why it’s not enough for candidates to pay lip service. Detailed plans with measurable goals and timelines are critical.
Addressing affordable housing is an economic opportunity. Investments in affordable-housing development create jobs, stimulate local economies and generate tax revenue. According to the National Association of Home Builders, each affordable housing unit generates $106,000 in local income. By prioritizing affordable housing, politicians have the power to foster economic growth and prosperity while also bettering their constituents’ lives.
The issue of affordable housing transcends partisan politics. It’s not about left or right; it’s about ensuring that every person has a place to call home, because housing is a human right. The affordable-housing crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and it requires bold and decisive leadership. As voters, we must demand concrete plans from candidates and hold them accountable for delivering on their promises. The future of our community depends on it.
Joy Silver has, for more than 40 years, served as an advocate for working, low-income families and the underserved who face challenges in both healthcare and housing. Based in Palm Springs, she currently serves as the chief strategy officer for the Community Housing Opportunities Corporation, a nonprofit affordable housing developer. Learn more at www.chochousing.org.