Housing Affordability

According to 2008 US Census data more than 40 million Americans spent 30% or more of their household income on housing costs, 600,000 more than in 2007. This is despite the fact that housing prices dropped by 20%.

Renters were hit hardest by the changing financial climate. The number of renters swelled by 900,000 in 2008 and supply struggled to meet demand. The market clearing price for rental property escalated.

Obviously, the poor and disabled are hurt worst during a period like this and more and more of the poor and disabled are getting pushed out of the housing market.

Despite that fact, the Maryland Mental Hygiene Administration is about to enter the ninth year of a freeze on the development of affordable housing for people with psychiatric disabilities in the state. It is true, a few million dollars was allocated this year to develop housing in Baltimore City but this is a drop in the bucket compared what is needed statewide.

In contrast, a model program in Florida, yes Florida, Boley Centers in Pinellas County has developed hundreds of new beds for people with psychiatric disabilities since the turn of the century and the state mental health authority in Tennessee, yes Tennessee, has developed thousands of beds in the same period.

Come on, Maryland, get your policy act together!