Californians Unite During Affordable Housing Week

Just when you thought you couldn’t be surprised by housing costs in the Bay Area, a new study says even doctors can’t afford more than half the homes in San Francisco. The median price for a home in San Francisco now tops $1.2 million. This is completely out of reach for most people but especially the ones who make our communities, well, communities.

Teachers, first responders, nurses and other professionals can’t afford to live in the communities in which they work. It’s not uncommon to hear from teachers who drive two hours each way to get to their public school in the Bay Area and must miss after-school events with their students and parents because they need to start the drive back to their own homes. This is unsustainable. Fortunately, there is renewed attention — and action — coming to the Bay Area.

DCG released “The Workforce Housing Advantage” solutions report to help school districts learn how they can repurpose underutilized assets into housing while building stronger communities for their teachers, students and neighbors.

During the month of May, many communities are drawing attention to high housing costs through events and workshops that will explore and implement innovative strategies to create affordable housing options.

San Mateo County is hosting Affordable Housing Week from May 5–12, 2017. Events include legislative updates from California State Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin, a Kicking Out Homelessness Kickball Tournament and a tour of future affordable housing near the Millbrae BART transit station.

Silicon Valley at Home is hosting Affordable Housing Week for Santa Clara County May 12–19, 2017. This year’s theme is #ItsUpToUs, Silicon Valley, and events include a first-time homebuyer workshop, a tour of affordable housing sites in Milpitas and a housing resource fair.

The East Bay Housing Organization is hosting Affordable Housing Week May 13–21, 2017. Events include a discussion about solutions for Tri-Valley affordability and a bike tour through Fremont’s affordable housing.