Despite record setting low unemployment rates, just having a job does not guarantee that people can afford a place to live. It is not unheard of for rent to cost in the range of $3,000 a month. That normally is a mortgage payment. The lack of affordable housing is increasing the number of people who fall into the category of being homeless. Stories are increasing. Here is a recent story from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Family forced to move out of former Washington Pointe Apartments (wrtv.com)
Today was my last day watching the Indianapolis WTHR news. Here is the text of my letter to the general manager:
Your news coverage is the same every day. Repetitious stories of shootings and
murders. It’s as though you can’t find
any stories that are motivating and positive.
Here is all that people need to know.
Is the water safe, is the food safe, or their any recalls on food or
other items, what is the weather, what is traffic like, is any criminal loose
we should be watchful for, are there any laws being passed that impact us, is
there a health issue we should know about?
After that you get into the need to know category and human gossip. Your stories of shootings, road rage, murders
have no redeeming value. You are not
telling us anything we do not know about our society and neighborhoods. Your “news” coverage rarely presents stories
that are inspirational or motivating.
Stories that inspire us to do better.
Instead, your news coverage takes the easy way out. You repeat stories of shootings, murders,
etc. with only the names and places changing.
Your news coverage has no value.
It does nothing to improve the daily lives of the people watching in and
around the Indianapolis area. Not seeing
or hearing your news coverage will be an improvement in my life and the lives
of others who choose not to watch the nonsense you present us as being
news. It is not news. It is just negative visuals you present to us
as if we want to see such things after a long day at work or in school. Explain yourselves. What do you think you are
providing to the public that is helpful?
We know violence exists! We know
evil exists! My life will improve
without having to be exposed to the daily nonsense you throw out at us as being
news!
Another sign of the times and the affordable housing crisis. Over 11,000 people are living in RVs across Los Angeles County. Why? Because in Los Angeles a one bedroom apartment costs $2,500 a month. More evidence that housing, what we used to think was something we could all get, is not a guarantee in the United States of America. So, while politicians distract our attention with rants about woke ideology, immigration, and freedom, the problem persists and gets worse each day.
Where is the government response to the issue? There is none. As with most real problems, we are on our own to figure out a solution. People need to stop being passive about the issue. In Los Angeles those living in RVs should drive them to the state capitol and park them around the building where the state legislature meets. Or park them around the building where your local community legislators convene. Make the problem noticeable to the public. Show the world how the United States responds to such a basic issue as creating or building housing to accommodate its citizens.
One of the American dreams is to have your own home. In the United States that dream is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and achieve. Yes, you can find a home. But the home you find at the price you can pay is not the dream home you always desired. Why? Because the prices of homes have skyrocketed since 2020. A home that could be purchased for a mortgage price of $250,000 in 2020 will now cost around $450,000 in 2023.
The rising costs especially impact the first-time home buyers. Those who are tired of paying rent prices that are equal to some monthly mortgage payments. So what are government officials doing about the problem? Is there legislation being proposed to bring relief to homeowners and would be homeowners?
This is an issue that needs to be up front in the upcoming 2024 political primaries and general election. Affordable housing is a major issue. As you review the credentials of local, state, and national candidates ask them what they propose to ease the Affordable Housing Crisis.
Parades and grilling foods? Is that the best Sarasota Florida can do in memory of those who served in our Armed Forces? Apparently, that is the extent of how much government offices care in Sarasota. At his moment, the son of a deceased Vietnam veteran is facing the prospect of being made homeless due to the decisions and actions of their landlord. The landlord has served an eviction notice on the family of 6, which includes two sets of twins 13, and 2 respectively. The family has lived in housing conditions, to include mold, that the landlord has allowed to fester for the past 3 years. Other code violations exist in the duplex. The landlord has supposedly decided to make repairs to the duplex unit after June 30th which is the eviction date handed the son of the Vietnam veteran.
We all know that there is an affordable housing crisis in Florida as well as across the United States. There is no avenue in Sarasota, or so far in the state of Florida, that is providing assistance and relief to this son of a Vietnam Veteran and his Florida family of 5. While politicians in Florida are focused on national elections and political fame, the citizens of Florida such as this family of 6 suffer.
In Florida, is Memorial Day just a time for parades and grilling as the only way to honor those who gave their lives for this country? Or is it about taking action to even come to the aid of the families of deceased veterans who are suffering in the most basic ways?
Let's find out. Florida can you respond? If so contact Action 7 News 941-923-6397 and the Suncoast News 941-361-4600 in Sarasota. Also contact the Sarasota City Manager at 941-263-6402 to express your concerns with action on Memorial Day to support the descendants of deceased veterans. Lasty contact the Governor of Florida 850-488-7146.
Lastly, sorry to interrupt your grilling and day of relaxation.
Sometime today, the Governor of Florida is supposed to announce his candidacy for the office of President of the United States. The power and privilege of the office will be the result of being elected. Meanwhile in Sarasota, Florida, there is a family of 6, 2 adults and 4 children, who are being evicted come June 30th from their home. A home that has numerous health code violations. A home where the landlord has refused to repair the unsanitary conditions. The other side of Florida, poverty and hopelessness. Whereas the Governor represents wealth and privilege; the family of 6 represents despair, hopelessness, and the struggle to just find clean, decent, affordable housing in Florida.
The governor of Florida seems focused on fighting back against social forces in this country. Rather than initiating a discussion with those parties, it's a war of divisive words. Some aspects of his concerns may be valid. But, why not have a discussion instead of fighting a war of words with people and businesses in Florida?
Why isn't the governor also concerned about the quality of life for all Floridians? I have seen no state program that attempts to help people find affordable housing in Florida. Is that a decision the governor has made that only those with a substantial income are welcomed in Florida? Why must a family of 6 tolerate unsanitary conditions in Florida? Why must landlords be given the authority to rule over tenants and then force tenants out? This family of 6 will be struggling to find an affordable home in Sarasota. The choices of where to go are choices no fans of the governor would ever accept.
So, as you get excited over the announcement the governor is making, should you not also feel disturbed that the governor is showing no compassion for those seeking affordable housing? He is not going after landlords who mistreat people. I contacted local media outlets about the story of the family of 6. So far the story has not been given any attention. This is the way of life in Florida. The weather forecast is more important than the living conditions of some people. What can you do? Get your education and obtain a job that gives you economic power where the lack of compassion by elected officials does not matter. Your own economic power will be your way of keeping you and your family in decent living conditions.
About a month ago, I heard that the NAACP, the former giant of civil rights activity, was going to issue a travel ban to warn people about social conditions in Florida. I thought to myself, why would you keep people from coming to Florida to invest in black businesses there? Also, why would you promote black people not coming to Florida to enjoy the natural resources of the state? Lastly, who do you think you are hurting? Does the NAACP really think that black dollars supports the economy of Florida? Last time I looked around, I am the only black person living in my housing division? The homes that do go up for sale are out of the price range of most black people.
The intent of the NAACP may have been good, but the strategy does not fit conditions in 2023. What happened to the days when the NAACP would file suit in court to challenge legal decisions? Why isn't the NAACP doing so in Florida?
Rescind the warning. Urge black people to flood the state with our dollars and only shop at businesses friendly to black people. Urge black people to purchase homes and properties in Florida. Become citizens of Florida and then exercise your right to vote people and policies out of office and off the books. Now is not the time to be heard and not seen. NAACP, time to regroup on your strategy.
