I told you so...

UMass Donahue Institute and Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) have released the results of their 2009 Housing Poll

The poll is the fourth of its kind, and it seeks to assess the opinions of Massachusetts residents in the following:

• The degree of public concern about affordable housing and related issues.
• Their experience of the impact of foreclosures and opinions on proposed policies to address these impacts.
• Openness to development of affordable housing and their perspective on its community impacts.

Not surprisingly, the poll revealed that Massachusetts residents are deeply troubled by the unaffordability of housing in the Commonwealth.  Specifically, 63.4% of individuals polled rated housing affordability as a critical public policy issue, even ahead of health care and public safety.  Jobs were also at the top of the list, at 67.4%, a reflection of the current economic landscape.  Participants also reported (45.5%) that the steep cost of housing makes it difficult for them to meet their basic needs.   In addition, there is immense stress related to the foreclosure crisis, and many fear that someone in their household will lose their job.

The poll also found that individuals are very supportive of policies that promote housing affordability, as well as protections for renters and families at risk of homelessness.  In a state where the cost of living is so high, support for affordable housing policies is critical.  Let's show our neighbors that we've been listening.