As the number of unsheltered people ticks up, state and local agencies are scrambling to find enough beds. They’re also having to navigate changing federal policies which threaten funding. Creativity is key and, in some places, it helps to solve homelessness. This includes the use of data analytics to keep people in their homes and state laws requiring developers to build affordable housing. Data Analytics During a January 23 roundtable at CET studios, President and CEO of Strategies to […]
Modern day construction hasn’t solved the problem of toxic housing. On top of old school irritants like mold, lead and asbestos; new homes and apartments reportedly contain enough formaldehyde to cause significant lung damage over time. Efforts are underway to better educate the public about the dangers and help remove the toxins, including a large-scale effort to replace lead water pipes. New housing construction Environmental researcher and author of the new book Homesick, Nick Shapiro says, “Finding a home […]
Property taxes date back to at least the 1600s, making up an average 70 percent of local government revenue. They pay for schools, police, fire, infrastructure and more. But as property values increase so do property taxes, pricing some people out of their homes. States are scrambling to offer relief. But is it enough and are there alternatives? Property taxes can be confusing. Ohio produced this video to […]
COVID reminded scientific researcher and author Nils Peterson that multigenerational living does work and people used to do it more often. He sees it as a way to control urban sprawl and preserve the nature we so desperately need. One way is by building accessory dwelling units or backyard cottages. Peterson is working with his community to do just that. Balancing housing and nature North […]
Subsidized permanent housing is no longer a given for the chronically homeless. Instead, the government is directing more than $3 billion in funds to pay for transitional housing, addiction treatment and state outreach. Not everybody is on board, including the founder of the National Homelessness Law Center and author Maria Foscarinis. She has ideas on how the Housing First model could be resurrected and details […]
Some foodbanks broke records for the amount of food they handed out during the government shutdown after SNAP benefits were suspended. And although the need has eased slightly, food insecurity remains an issue. By the latest data, thirteen percent of U.S. households are unable to acquire enough food. Foodbanks and food rescue organizations provide a safety net for our neighbors. Meals on Wheels helps seniors stay in their homes. How are […]
Millions of people live in a medical desert, meaning they have inadequate access to healthcare, both in urban and rural settings. There are a variety of reasons why, including distance to a hospital, lack of broadband internet, lack of transportation and a shortage of healthcare workers. Despite these challenges, there are solutions. Brick by Brick examines workforce training and school health partnerships. There are different kinds of medical deserts HealthTech Magazine says, “Areas without access to hospitals, […]
At the current rate of construction, estimates predict it will take seven years to close the housing gap. The U.S. is still short about 4 million units. The problem is hitting home. After more than a decade of inflated home prices, states, including Ohio, are realizing they can enact policies to accelerate the building process. What are the hold-ups? Creating a variety of new housing […]
Residents are increasingly taking charge of their neighborhoods. One example involves the conversion of an old chemical plant in West Louisville, Kentucky into affordable housing. Another is in Carmel, Indiana where neighborhood ambassadors are helping residents articulate a vision for the future. Cincinnati’s Yard & Co. is behind those efforts and more. The Neighborhood Playbook, written by Yard & Co., is almost a decade old, […]
Pedestrian safety is deteriorating at a faster rate than road safety for other users, according to the World Health Organization. The agency has set a goal of decreasing deaths and injuries by 50 percent in five years. Speed humps and redesigned roads are among the top solutions and are gradually slowing people down. The problem According to 2023 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, every 72 minutes a pedestrian dies in a traffic crash. That totals 7,314. […]
