Reifsteckfcs 2270 Housing Individual Research Presentation 5

Reifsteckfcs 2270 Housingindividualresearch Presentation50 Pointseac

Reifsteck FCS 2270 – Housing Individual Research Presentation 50 points Each student will complete a presentation of a topic related to housing; topics will be approved by the instructor. Two visual aids will be used (one must be Powerpoint – submit on D2L Discussion Board and D2L Dropbox ). Class discussion questions to reinforce the topic will be included by each student. A minimum of 4 references will be utilized and cited to support the chosen topic (2 references must be professional, research journals). Relate your topic to (at least 2) housing challenges in Chapter 12.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Housing is a fundamental aspect of human life, influencing social stability, economic prosperity, and individual well-being. The dynamics surrounding housing are complex, shaped by societal needs, policies, economic factors, and environmental influences. This paper explores a specific housing topic, examining its origins, societal impact, and its relation to contemporary housing challenges as discussed in Chapter 12. The focus will be on analyzing the topic's relevance, historical background, current trends, policies, and its effect on individuals, families, and communities. Visual aids, including PowerPoint slides and relevant media, will support the presentation, complemented by class discussion questions to foster engagement and deepen understanding of the subject matter.

Housing Topic Exploration: Affordable Housing Crisis

The selected housing topic for this presentation is the “Affordable Housing Crisis,” a pressing issue affecting urban and rural areas nationwide. Affordable housing refers to housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s income. The crisis emerges from a confluence of factors, including economic disparities, rising construction and land prices, stagnant wages, and policy shortcomings. The origins of this issue can be traced back to economic restructuring, suburbanization, and zoning laws that have historically limited available housing stock for low- and moderate-income families (Gyourko & Saiz, 2008).

The need for affordable housing satisfies a societal demand for economic equity, access to stable living environments, and social cohesion. Without adequate affordable options, families face risks of homelessness, housing insecurity, and poor health outcomes. The shortage disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, minorities, and economically disadvantaged populations, exacerbating social inequalities and community fragmentation (Shaw, 2004).

This topic is crucial because of its extensive influence on societal stability and individual prosperity. It also influences policies, urban planning, and economic development strategies. Recent trends show increased investment in affordable housing development, but challenges persist due to political resistance, funding deficits, and zoning restrictions.

Historical and Societal Context

The origins of the affordable housing crisis can be linked to post-World War II economic expansion and the subsequent suburban boom, which prioritized single-family homes and exclusive zoning practices. Redlining and discriminatory lending further marginalized minorities, restricting their access to quality housing options (Rothstein, 2017). These policies contributed to entrenched racial and economic segregation that still hampers equitable access today.

Over time, the decline of manufacturing jobs and stagnant wages have made housing affordability more elusive for many Americans. The 2008 financial crisis exacerbated these issues, highlighting the vulnerability of low-income households to housing instability. Current socio-economic trends demonstrate rising housing prices in urban centers, gentrification, and displacement of long-term residents, which threaten community cohesion and social diversity.

Policy responses such as inclusionary zoning, housing vouchers, and federal funding initiatives aim to mitigate the crisis. However, their effectiveness varies, and political disagreements often stall comprehensive solutions. The role of non-profit organizations and private-public partnerships has become increasingly significant in addressing gaps in affordable housing supply (Kleit & Clure, 2021).

Impact on Society and Communities

Affordable housing influences societal stability by providing secure living environments that foster educational attainment, employment opportunities, and health. Stable housing reduces stress and healthcare costs and promotes social engagement. Conversely, housing insecurity is linked to negative outcomes such as increased risk of homelessness, poorer health, and limited economic mobility (Cutler et al., 2019).

For families and individuals, affordable housing can mean access to better neighborhoods, quality schools, and social networks. It also facilitates long-term economic stability, enabling savings and investments for future generations. Conversely, the lack of affordable options often results in overcrowding, substandard living conditions, and displacement, which fragment communities and perpetuate cycles of poverty.

At the community level, housing affordability impacts demographics, local economies, and urban development patterns. Gentrification driven by rising property values can displace low-income residents, diminish cultural diversity, and reshape neighborhood identities. On the other hand, lack of investment in affordable housing exacerbates homelessness and urban decay, burdening local services and reducing quality of life.

The Relationship to Housing Challenges in Chapter 12

Relating this topic to Chapter 12's housing challenges, two critical issues emerge: affordability and equitable access. Chapter 12 discusses how housing affordability is a central barrier to social and economic inclusion, especially amidst rising costs and stagnant incomes. The crisis exemplifies the failure of existing policies to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for systemic reforms.

Another challenge is spatial mismatch, where affordable housing is often located far from employment centers, education, and amenities. This disconnect hampers job access and economic mobility, especially for low-income families, perpetuating cycles of poverty and social segregation (Pendall, 2000). The affordable housing crisis embodies these challenges, calling for integrated solutions that combine policy innovation, community engagement, and economic investment.

Visual Aids and Presentation Strategy

Two visual aids will be incorporated into the presentation. The first will be a PowerPoint slide demonstrating statistical trends, including income disparities, rental affordability indexes, and geographic distribution of affordable housing units. The second will be a short video clip (no longer than 3 minutes) illustrating personal stories of families affected by housing affordability issues, hyperlinked with descriptive text. These aids will clarify complex data, evoke emotional engagement, and visually reinforce key points.

The presentation will be well-organized, beginning with an introduction to housing and the specific context of the crisis, followed by historical background, societal impact, and policy responses. Transitions will be smooth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of issues. This structure ensures clarity and maintains attention.

Discussion Questions

To stimulate discussion, three questions will be posed to classmates:

1. What innovative policies could be implemented to improve access to affordable housing in urban areas?
2. How does zoning law influence housing affordability and neighborhood diversity?
3. In what ways can community-based initiatives complement government programs in addressing the housing crisis?

These questions aim to invite critical thinking, debate, and collaborative problem-solving among students, enhancing understanding of the complex housing challenges.

Conclusion

The affordable housing crisis exemplifies a multifaceted societal challenge requiring comprehensive policy, community involvement, and innovative solutions. Its roots in historical discrimination, economic shifts, and policy failures highlight the necessity of systemic reform. The crisis affects individuals, families, and communities profoundly, impacting health, well-being, and social equity. Addressing this issue demands a collective effort informed by research, critical analysis, and compassionate understanding.

References

• Cutler, D. M., Glaeser, E. L., & Vigdor, J. L. (2019). Housing and health. The Journal of Economic Perspectives, 33(1), 31–50.
• Gyourko, J., & Saiz, A. (2008). The impact of zoning on housing affordability. The Review of Economics and Statistics, 90(4), 684–690.
• Kleit, R. G., & Clure, K. (2021). Private-public partnerships and affordable housing. Housing Policy Debate, 31(2), 243–261.
• Pendall, R. (2000). Local land use regulation and housing affordability: a review of the literature. Housing Policy Debate, 11(2), 193–229.
• Rothstein, R. (2017). The color of law: A forgotten history of how our government segregated America. Liveright Publishing.
• Shaw, M. (2004). Housing and public health. The Routledge Handbook of Public Health and Community Psychology, 251–267.
• National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2023). Out of Reach: The affordable housing crisis in America. https://nlihc.org
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (2022). The affordable housing dilemma. https://hud.gov
• Gyourko, J., & Saiz, A. (2008). The impact of zoning on housing affordability. The Review of Economics and Statistics, 90(4), 684–690.
• Schuetz, J., Meltzer, R., & Been, V. (2015). The effect of inclusionary zoning on local housing markets: Lessons from the San Francisco Bay area. Journal of the American Planning Association, 81(4), 313–328.