How the Rent Crisis Impacts American Children

An Associated Press article by Jesse Bedayn and Michael Casey highlights the impact of the housing crisis on American households and youth. Half of U.S. renters now spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, and millions face eviction each year.

Renters who make under $30,000 per year are left with only $310 per month in income for other needs, forcing households to make painful tradeoffs. Of the people who face eviction each year, roughly 2.9 million, or 40 percent, are children.

Now, states and the federal government are looking at legislative ways to support more affordable housing, prevent evictions, and boost the housing supply. Colorado is considering laws that would boost tenant protections. Proposals in Washington state would limit annual rent increases and require 10 percent affordable housing around transit hubs.

At the federal level, the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act would offer federal tax credits for rehabilitating older housing to keep it habitable.