Expensive Housing at the Expense of Basic Needs

A study on poverty in the San Francisco area shows that skyrocketing housing costs have kept residents from meeting basic household budgets.

1 minute read

December 13, 2003, 11:00 AM PST

By Connie Chung


A recent study found that "[r]ising housing costs have fueled a dramatic increase in living expenses for East Bay residents and left a growing number of families earning less than what they need." The study uses the self-sufficiency standard, rather than outdated poverty measures from the 1960's to gauge the disparity between household incomes and costs. According to the study's researcher, 'Costs are growing faster than people's income...It means people are doubling up and people are working two jobs.'"

Thanks to Connie Chung

Thursday, December 11, 2003 in Contra Costa Times-Walnut Creek

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