The Power of Our Vote: Ensuring Safe and Affordable Housing for All

September 11, 2024 | Jamar Doyle

This article is reprinted from the UCC’s Our Faith: Our Vote.

As we approach the November general election, it’s essential to reflect on what’s truly at stake — for our neighbors and communities across the nation as well as for ourselves. The right to decent, safe, and affordable housing is not just a policy issue; it is a moral imperative that cuts to the heart of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) mission to create a more just, caring, and compassionate world. For many, the ability to live in a secure, affordable home is the foundation upon which all other aspects of life are built. It is crucial that we use our votes to support policies and candidates who understand this truth and are committed to making housing justice a reality for all.

Across the United States, CHHSM agencies see first-hand the difference that safe, affordable housing makes in the lives of individuals and families. Our agencies, which provide affordable housing in communities from coast to coast, witness daily how housing impacts health, education, employment, and overall well-being. Without a stable home, it’s nearly impossible to build a healthy life. Studies consistently show that housing insecurity is linked to higher rates of chronic illness, lower educational achievement, and increased mental health challenges. The current housing market, where rents are skyrocketing and homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many, only exacerbates these issues.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a minimum wage worker must work nearly 97 hours per week to afford a modest one-bedroom rental home at the fair market rate in many parts of the country. For families living on the edge, this is an impossible burden. Additionally, data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that more than 10 million households spend more than half of their income on rent, leaving little room for other essentials like food, healthcare, and education. This is the reality for millions of Americans, and it underscores the importance of voting for leaders who prioritize affordable housing.

However, affordable housing is only one part of the equation. Recent developments in the judicial system highlight the growing criminalization of homelessness, further marginalizing those who are already struggling. A recent Supreme Court decision is already having a profound impact on the homeless population, signaling a troubling trend towards criminalizing houselessness rather than addressing its root causes. The ruling, which allows local governments to enforce anti-camping laws even when there are not enough shelter beds available, has intensified the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.

This decision underscores the urgent need for voters to elect leaders who will advocate for humane and compassionate approaches to homelessness. Instead of criminalizing the unhoused, we need policies that increase access to affordable housing, expand mental health services, and provide support systems that help people get back on their feet. CHHSM agencies see the impact of these punitive measures daily, as more and more individuals are pushed into the margins, further away from the resources and support they need.

This election, we have the power to influence the future of housing and homelessness in our communities. By voting, we ensure that our voices are heard, and that the needs of all Americans—including the unhoused and underhoused—are brought to the forefront of the national conversation. We must elect representatives who understand that affordable housing is not just a social issue, but a critical public health concern — leaders who will fight for policies that increase the availability of affordable housing, protect renters from unjust evictions, and support pathways to homeownership for low- and moderate-income families.

Voting is not just about fulfilling a civic duty; it’s about standing up for what is right. It’s about ensuring that our government reflects the values of justice, equity, and compassion. Every vote counts, and every local, state, and national elected office is consequential, especially in a time when housing policies can mean the difference between stability and homelessness for so many. We must take this opportunity to advocate for housing policies that align with our belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every person.

In the November election and every election thereafter, let us commit to voting with housing justice in mind. Let us choose leaders who will work to ensure that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has a place to call home. Our votes are powerful tools in the fight for a more just and compassionate society. Let us use them wisely.

A Prayer for Housing Justice

Gracious God, we pray for all those who are without a place to call home, for those who struggle to keep a roof over their heads, and for those who are working tirelessly to bring about change. Guide our hearts and minds as we approach this election, so that we may cast our votes with wisdom and compassion. Help us to elect leaders who will prioritize the needs of the marginalized and work to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. May our efforts contribute to building a world where justice, equity, and compassion reign. Amen.

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