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Realities of Low-Income Housing Recent newspaper articles ignore several realities when bemoaning the exodus of 25- to 34-year-olds from Orange County because of a lack of affordable low-income housing. First, low-income younger adults obviously may have trouble paying rent or purchasing a home because many have low education attainment, poor English language skills or limited job skills. Some are single parents or they are still working on their college degree. Those who can buy their first home or pay the rent know that economic success requires developing a higher level of education and job skills and selecting a good-paying occupation, as many younger workers ultimately will. Second, all the low-income housing programs that the articles mention – the state affordable housing program, the Prop 46 housing bond fund and the Federal Section 8 housing vouchers system – are all taxpayer-subsidized welfare programs. When affordable rental apartments are built, or when someone can purchase a $350,000 condo for $90,000, the taxpayers and other property owners pay the cost. Helping the handicapped who can’t work or develop job skills can be justified. However, spending large tax dollars on young adults who don’t develop job skills or good English language skills is simply punishing successful adults in order to reward unsuccessful adults. Michael R. Ferrall |
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