LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Local Housing Trust Funds make sense

bemidjipioneer – One of the common issues facing communities throughout Minnesota is a shortage of decent, affordable housing. Cities throughout the region including Bemidji, Baudette, Mahnomen and Park Rapids are searching for ways to increase their housing supply. The shortage of housing is felt by many people but disproportionately affects lower income households who often pay more than 30% of their income on housing costs. These cost burdened households have limited resources available to pay for other essential expenses including health care, transportation, child care and groceries. It is clear that the housing shortage adversely affects lower income households. Perhaps less clear is that entire communities are negatively affected as job growth can be stymied when employers are unable to attract workers because suitable housing is not readily available.
Source: https://www.bemidjipioneer.com