May 26, 2022

The White House’s new housing plan outlines steps intended to lower costs for manufactured homes by increasing financing options and lowering barriers around approvals and construction. “Given that that is the entry-level ownership product in the American market, when you’re moving that bottom rung even a couple inches down, it means a lot more people can get on the ladder,” said Salim Furth, senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.  

In Tennessee, a new law puts those who camp on public property at risk of facing up to six years in prison and losing voting rights. Local advocates and lawmakers don’t expect the law to be enforced; however, the threat of a felony charge still looms over those experiencing homelessness. “Having a felony on your record makes it hard to qualify for some types of housing, harder to get a job, harder to qualify for benefits,” said Bobby Watts, CEO of the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council. 

Tenant advocates in Washington argue that renters are being overcharged for damages with little protection. The current system allows renters to settle disputes over damages in small-claims courts, a process that can be intimidating and deter renters from recouping expenses. The state recently rejected legislation that would have offered more tenant protections. “The effect would be to clarify what a landlord can charge for before the parties are forced to take on the time and expense of small claims court,” says Sarah Nagy of Columbia Legal Services. 

In 2018, the Camp fire in the Sierra Nevada foothills killed 85 people, destroyed 14,000 homes and displaced more than 50,000 people. Fire refugees evacuated to Chico, a nearby college town. Before the fire, Chico residents already struggled finding housing, and with the increase in climate refugees to the region, many were pushed out of the area or onto the streets. “You take an area that had a housing crisis before the Camp fire, and then add 20,000 people overnight, and it was disastrous,” said Cathryn Carkhuff, the executive director of Home and Heart.