Yesterday's conference call was definitely interesting. The first half focused on the squeeze members of the middle class are feeling as a result of the current economic situation. The second half focused on affordable housing and its affect on the welfare of children.
To briefly sum up the first half, it was a lot of bad news bears. Families aren't just thinking they have less money because so many people are throwing the word recession around. They actually have less money.
In 2007 the median family income was $500 less than than in 2000, and paychecks were lagging behind the rate of inflation. For you and me, that means stuff, especially basic necessities like milk, bread, gas, etc., is costing more, but we are making less.
The second half of the conference call looked at the importance of affordable housing. According to much of the research presented, having access to affordable housing was hugely important in childhood development. For many children living in subsidized housing and other forms of public housing, the research showed they performed better in school. If parents own a home, children were healthier.
The conclusion that was drawn was that affordable housing is obviously important and as a country we need policies to make sure families have access to it.
It was definitely interesting to hear some of the research recessions and housing needs and how all of this comes back and affects the family. I'd love to hear what you think about it.
Leave a comment and let me know.
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