This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Tribune editorial "Utah must find new ways to encourage affordable housing" (Sept. 12) clearly outlines the issues facing low- to moderate-income working families. Although government agencies have a role to play in providing affordable housing, they cannot do it alone. There are effective nonprofit partners that can provide services to help more families become successful homeowners.
One such nonprofit is Community Development Corporation of Utah, which has the vision of truly making home ownership a reality for working families. This vision is realized through supportive programs, including down payment assistance, home buyer education and advising, rehabilitation of distressed homes for resale to eligible families and providing critical homeowner repairs that help keep families in their homes. However, housing nonprofits like CDCU need support to help solve the problem, and a combination of public and private funding will help more working-class families become and remain successful homeowners. It is also crucial that the public be informed that these services and resources are available to eligible families.
Housing prices are rising more quickly than wages, pricing many of these families out of the homeownership market. Affordable homeownership not only increases family stability and self-sufficiency, but also frees up resources to help alleviate homelessness.
Diane Hartz Warsoff
Salt Lake City