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Press Room
Poll: Struggle for Affordable Housing Continues
Americans Say Housing Issues Will Affect How They Vote
Contact: Mary
Barron, 202-289-3500 ext. 7223
WASHINGTON, February 29--
A poll released today by the Housing America Campaign indicates
that nine out of ten Americans believe the provision of affordable housing is
an important issue in their community; nearly two-fifths cite having a decent
affordable place to live as their top priority. This represents an increase
in responses of this kind to the same question asked last year. The poll also
shows that affordable housing will affect the way Americans vote. Seventy-four
percent said that presidential candidates' ideas for providing more affordable
housing were important in determining for whom they would vote. Additionally,
almost one-fifth of respondents reported being "directly affected"
by the recent mortgage crisis. On a more positive note, the percentage of Americans
who believe housing policy is on the right track increased slightly from last
year's results.
The Housing America Campaign is a coalition of public, private and non-profit
advocacy groups. In an event on Capitol Hill today, the Housing America partners
reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness of the need for and importance
of housing and community development programs. The Campaign also released "Stand
Up for Housing," a booklet containing signatures and comments from average
Americans on what housing means to them. The booklet was presented to Representatives
Barney Frank and Shelley Moore Capito, who also made brief remarks.
With regard to the current housing crisis, “Part of this problem came
from the notion that housing only meant homeownership,” Rep. Frank said.
“We need a range of housing opportunities for people.”
Housing America events will continue throughout the year in local communities
throughout the country. For full poll results, visit www.nahro.org/pressroom/2008/poll.pdf.
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