Affordable housing is a cause that promotes family values: Rebuilding the church within one's home
In the heart of contemporary America, the missionary imperative of faithful citizenship is being explored through the Our Sunday Visitor podcast 'Catholic in America.' Hosted by Jason Adkins, the podcast delves into topics related to the role of Catholics in shaping society, with a particular focus on the issue of housing affordability.
The issue of housing affordability is multifaceted, driven by a variety of forces. A shortage of housing stock, lack of new construction, homes being converted into short-term rentals, and rising competition from institutional investors are just a few of the factors contributing to this crisis. This situation has significant implications, leading many young adults to cohabitate instead of marry, a choice that is statistically riskier for long-term relational stability.
The Strong Towns plan, a comprehensive approach to addressing housing issues, proposes six concrete proposals for local action. These include advocating for changes at the parish, neighbourhood, and city levels, encouraging the implementation of policies that prioritise subsidiarity - a core Catholic principle that decisions should be made at the most local level possible.
The church views the family as the fundamental building block of a healthy society. Recognising housing as not just an economic issue, but also a family, community, and moral issue, the church's voice is considered essential in the conversation about housing and family life renewal. The church, committed to the dignity of the family, can step into the gap to advocate for housing affordability.
Interestingly, the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) states that nearly 80% of adults under age 55 desire a detached, single-family house. This preference is echoed among those who do not currently own a home but wish to have more children, with 90% also desiring to own a home.
The changing profile of first-time homebuyers is another key aspect of the housing affordability crisis. The average age of first-time homebuyers has increased dramatically, from 28 years old in 1991 to 38 years old today. This shift highlights the challenges faced by young adults in securing affordable housing.
The principle of housing affordability aims to keep working families out of poverty, allow upward mobility, and enable the kind of stability needed to raise children. However, in many cities, owning a median-priced home now consumes over 100% of a household's after-tax income. This stark reality underscores the urgency of addressing the housing affordability crisis.
While the cities where the Catholic Church is actively implementing the six proposals of the Strong Cities to improve housing availability are not explicitly listed, Wuppertal, a city with active Catholic social engagement addressing housing and homelessness issues, is mentioned as a notable example. The Catholic City Church Wuppertal, for instance, is involved in a project aimed at addressing these issues.
In conclusion, the housing affordability crisis is a complex issue that requires collective action. The church's commitment to the dignity of the family and its understanding of the family as the fundamental building block of a healthy society position it as a key player in this conversation. By advocating for changes at the local level and promoting policies that prioritise subsidiarity, the church can help create a more affordable and stable housing market, thereby contributing to the renewal of families and communities.
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