Poll Finds Affordable Housing a High Priority for Americans

Providing affordable housing in their community is a high priority for 90% of Americans and more than half believe that the nation’s housing policy is on the wrong track to achieving “a decent home and suitable living environment for every American family,” according to a new Zogby America poll.

The poll was commissioned by a coalition of public, private and non-profit advocacy groups, including NAHB, in conjunction with “Housing America 2007,” a nationwide affordable housing awareness campaign.

“The housing affordability crisis has a dramatic effect on the quality of life of millions of families,” said Jerry Howard, NAHB’s chief executive officer. “We need a broad coalition of groups representing the housing industry, business, non-profits and government to make affordable housing a priority in every community.”

In a sign of voter interest in the issue, 75% of the respondents said that a candidate’s ideas on how to provide more affordable housing would be of importance in deciding who they would vote for in the 2005 presidential elections. Sixty-nine percent said they would be more likely to select a presidential candidate who articulated his or her detailed plan for providing affordable housing.

When asked if the nation was on the right track toward achieving the historical goal of a decent home and suitable living environment for every American family, 39% indicated that the country was on the right track, 51% said the wrong track and 11% were unsure.

“The survey results make it clear that Americans understand the importance of housing,” said Howard. He noted that NAHB and the NAACP will be cosponsoring a symposium in November designed to bring a cross section of groups together to identify “meaningful steps we can take to make housing more affordable.”

In addition to NAHB, other participants in Housing America 2007 include:

• National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
• Housing Assistance Council
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation
• Mortgage Bankers Association
• National Association of Counties
• National Association of Realtors®
• National Council of State Housing Agencies
• National Housing Conference
• National League of Cities
• National Low Income Housing Coalition
• U.S. Conference of Mayors

More than 1,200 adults participated in the survey, which was conducted by telephone.

For more information, e-mail Blake Smith at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8583.

Attend the Housing Credit Group Issues Forum

Mark your calendars for the Housing Credit Group Issues Forum in Seattle. on Sept. 5. The forum discussion will feature ways to break down common barriers to affordable housing. 

For more information on the Housing Credit Group, click here.

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