These two committees work together with local special interest groups to help assure that community resources are utilized for the greatest benefit of the people. Different communities call these committees by different names, but the purpose of the committees is always the same.
Anti-discrimination laws make it a crime to discriminate against a person for reasons of their race or religion. However, just because the laws exist does not mean that the problem is nonexistent. Race can be a defining characteristic of a community. Race can be the basis for community culture and community pride. People are often proud of their race and the cultural heritage that it embodies. However, stereotypes often stand in the way of getting fair treatment as far as housing is concerned.
Many see ethnically black or Chicano communities as slums or ghettos. However, as we found out, this is not always an accurate picture of the individuals within the community. Property owners tend to favor middle class white renters over ethnic renters due to unwarranted stereotypes and generalizations. Ethnic communities often suffer from poor educational systems as far as the quality of schools and resources are concerned. This places children at a disadvantage from the beginning and establishes patterns that are often hard to break.
The U.S. housing Act provides assistance for those that are considered to be low or very low income according to standards. Those that must rent from low income housing units are eligible for tax credits. There are also programs to support Federal Rental Housing production by way tax credits. Neighborhood income groups help many obtain the necessary housing. However, these programs are inadequate in the face of decreasing units available in proportion to those in need. Although there are new units being built, the number in need of those units rises faster than the supply. As rent goes up, so do other expenditures...
This creates increasing strain on those already in jeopardy. Many have reached the breaking point.
Home ownership is a privilege afforded to those that meet certain social and economic criteria. It is restricted to those that are middle class. For low income people, home ownership is only a dream. Many who qualify for home ownership have two working professionals in the household. They have a considerable amount of wealth in order to afford the down payment. The qualifications for home ownership in the U.S. make it difficult to attain, especially if one has
In conclusion, the low income housing crisis in the United States is particularly tough in Chicano and other ethnic communities. Residents in these communities chance loosing not only their homes, but also their communities and culture are more and more are forced to move in search of jobs. Federal and local programs to off set this effect have been relatively ineffective in solving the crisis. More needs to be done attack the reasons behind the housing crisis from its roots.
Works Cited
Eisenberg, P. Time to Remove the Rose-Colored Glasses. March/April 2000. ShelterForce Issue
110. http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/110/eisenberg.html. Accessed March 23, 2007.
Hon. Senator Murray. Supporting the Latino Community. 2006. http://murray.senate.gov/latino/index.cfm Accessed March 23, 2007.
Lockyer, B. SHA Battles to Save County Affordable Housing Program. April/May 2005. SAC
Housing Alliance. http://www.sachousingalliance.org/April%20-%20May%2005.pdf Accessed March 23, 2007.
Madrid, D. Street Dreams Are made of These. December 18, 2003. Metroactive. http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/12.18.03/chicanos-0351.html. Accessed Patton, V. Withering Heights. Southland Publishing. http://www.sdcitybeat.com/article.php?id=45 Accessed March 23, 2007.
