Refocusing on the domestic church: The connection between affordable housing and family support
In a bid to address rising housing costs and insecurity, a six-step plan has been proposed by Charles Marohn, the founder of the non-profit organization Strong Towns. The plan, which focuses on keeping working families out of poverty, allowing upward mobility, and enabling the stability needed to raise children, has gained attention for its practical and locally tailored solutions.
The plan calls for streamlining permitting for home conversions, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and starter homes, with approvals within 24 hours. This move aims to increase the housing stock and make it easier for homeowners to convert their properties into multiple units, such as duplexes or triplexes, by right.
Another key proposal is the elimination of minimum lot size requirements. This change would make it possible to build smaller, simpler houses, or "starter homes", in all residential areas. The plan also suggests permitting backyard cottages (ADUs) in all residential zones, and repealing parking mandates for residential development.
The Institute for Family Studies (IFS) states that nearly 80% of adults under age 55 prefer a detached, single-family house. The plan, therefore, aligns with this preference, while also addressing the issue of housing affordability. In many cities, owning a median-priced home now consumes over 100% of a household's after-tax income. The median price of a new home is around $450,000, and an existing home is $422,400.
Multiple forces are driving these housing costs, including a shortage of housing stock, lack of new construction, homes being converted into short-term rentals, and rising competition from institutional investors. The plan aims to counter these forces by prioritizing small-scale, incremental development and fostering financial resilience.
The church, committed to the dignity of the family, can step into the gap in advocating for housing affordability. The family is viewed as the fundamental building block of a healthy society, and the principle of housing affordability focuses on keeping families out of poverty, allowing upward mobility, and enabling the stability needed to raise children.
In a shift from traditional norms, housing insecurity is encouraging young adults to cohabitate instead of marry, which is statistically riskier for long-term relational stability. Among those who do not currently own a home but want more children, 90% also desire to own a home. Catholics are encouraged to work at the parish, neighborhood, and city levels to advocate for these changes.
Marohn emphasizes subsidiarity, a core Catholic principle, suggesting decisions should be made at the most local level possible. The plan, therefore, encourages community input and the implementation of practical, locally tailored solutions.
In conclusion, the Strong Towns plan offers a comprehensive approach to addressing housing issues, focusing on practical solutions that align with the preferences of the majority of adults and the principles of the Catholic Church. The plan's focus on housing affordability, streamlined permitting, and local action makes it a promising strategy for improving housing conditions and reducing housing prices.
Read also:
- Unfair Expenditure Distribution, Secret Tourists, Looming Rabies Threats: Latest News Roundup
- Hydrogen: Eco-friendly Alternative or Energy Imperialism Debate?
- Hydrogen: Environmentally Friendly Alternative or Energy Imperialism?
- Strategies for expanding your creative enterprise, directly from industry experts
