August 26, 2021

In San Jose, California, city leaders are proposing a housing plan that would allow developers to build affordable housing alongside places of assembly, such as churches, private clubs, lodges, and theaters. These places often have excess land, like grass fields or parking lots, and the city estimates between 300 to 500 affordable homes could be constructed if the plan is approved. A San Jose megachurch, Cathedral of Faith, is already working to develop a two-building project that will offer 258 affordable units for low-income families and seniors. These efforts will help meet the city’s goal of building 25,000 homes, including 10,000 affordable units, by 2023.

During the pandemic, Kevin Adler, founder of Miracle Messages, a program that reunites unhoused people with their loved ones, decided to raise money to pilot a universal basic income project for people experiencing homelessness. Starting in February 2021, participants nominated by members of the community received $500 a month and were paired with a “buddy” from the community for added support. They were required to set up bank accounts and financial advisors were available if needed, but there were no requirements on how they spent the money. The results were very promising, with 35 percent of participants able to secure stable housing with the money. “One thing we should be doing is trusting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of some of the individuals who are experiencing homelessness and what barriers they have already confronted in getting housed and resources,” said Adler.

Local government agencies in California are purchasing luxury buildings and renting them out at lower rates to middle-income workers. These programs benefited from the low interest rates and property acquisition opportunities that arose in the pandemic. The agencies use local property tax subsidies to fund the programs and expect to recoup the lost property tax revenue in the future. Although these programs have created more than 6,000 units, critics of this model question if the units are affordable enough and if middle-income residents will continue to be served. “It’s definitely creative,” said Jacky Morales-Ferrand, director of San Jose’s housing department, “But we want to make sure there is significant public benefit when we forgo property tax.”

The costs of raising children for older adults can be overwhelming in a housing market that lacks affordable and accessible options. With roughly 2.7 million children being raised in multigenerational grandfamilies, affordable housing communities tailored to their needs are crucial. Many age-restricted communities don’t allow children, threatening older caregivers with eviction if they won’t move. Other caregivers must make difficult choices, like draining their retirement savings, skipping medical care, or refinancing their homes. Several grandfamily housing projects have launched across the US, and policymakers are pushing for increased protections and flexibility for multigenerational families to have secure, affordable housing. The stability and sense of community these programs offer can be a lifeline for many older Americans. “There was a world of weight taken off my shoulders,” said Jackie Lynn, a grandfamily housing community resident.