Willow Glen Resident

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Everyone succeeds when there is housing

I share housing advisory Commissioner Tom Fink's conviction that the Coyote Valley Specific Plan must adequately address the housing needs of extremely low-income households.

Market-rate housing and office complexes generate a need for affordable housing for the janitors, public school teachers, civil servants, child care workers, and others whose services are needed to support those who make too little to afford average priced homes in the community.

At EHC LifeBuilders, I frequently see families where both parents are working minimum wage jobs, but simply can't afford a market-rate rental apartment. There are more households making less than $28,000 a year than most people realize.

Although we may not be able to identify every dollar up front, it is irresponsible and unrealistic to leave these families out of the planning.

I support the housing advisory commission's recommendation that 30 percent of the 5,000 affordable homes be targeted for extremely low-income families.

Neighborhoods succeed when everyone has a decent place to live, and parents and children can put down roots in the community with confidence. When that happens, the whole community benefits.

Jennifer Hodgson Loving

San Jose