Majority of Americans Support Adequate, Affordable Housing for All

Most Americans believe it is important to have a decent affordable place to live, and to provide affordable housing in their communities, including housing for low-income families. That’s just one of the findings of a recent Zogby International poll commissioned by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), as part of its Housing America Campaign.

The recently online survey of 2,100 adults reveals that on a list of individual/family priorities, a vast majority (86 percent) say that having a decent affordable place to live is either number one or a high priority on their list, while one in eight (13 percent) say it is a low priority or not on their list. A quarter of all respondents (24 percent) say having a decent affordable place is number one on their list of priorities.

Additionally, more than two-thirds of respondents (69 percent) say the issue of affordable housing in their community—both ownership and rental, including housing for low-income families—is important, with one-third overall saying that providing such housing is very important.

The respondents were split evenly over whether they agree or disagree that the federal government has a role in providing decent and affordable housing for low- and very low-income families.

“At NAHRO, we believe the federal government plays an essential role in providing affordable housing for every American,” said Saul Ramirez, NAHRO ceo. “As our electorate is split on many policy issues, we will work hard to ensure they realize how vital affordable housing is to the American economy.”