Voting Yes on November 5th: Supporting Affordable Housing for New Orleans' Future

I have always wanted New Orleans to be a city people move to – not from. I moved here 30 years ago, before my 40^th birthday, and I am always flattered when asked if I grew up here. There is so much to love about New Orleans.

 What I do not love is how the current housing crisis can make my fellow New Orleanians struggle to remain here. This is particularly troubling for older adults living on a fixed income. And if paying the rent or mortgage is not challenging enough, the recent spike in homeowners’ insurance premiums has the potential to increase evictions, foreclosures and homelessness for older adults. We all want to remain in our homes and live independently as we age.

 Fortunately, on November 5^th there will be a ballot measure that addresses the housing crisis in New Orleans, known as the Housing Trust Fund. If passed by the voters, 2% of the city’s budget surplus would be allocated to be used exclusively to preserve and expand the supply of affordable housing in New Orleans. Funds could be used to create and preserve homeownership opportunities, provide first time homebuyer assistance and financial support and ultimately help to ensure affordable housing in the city.

Seniors on fixed incomes, people with disabilities, and others facing homelessness will benefit from this trust fund.

I will be voting YES on November 5th, and I hope you and others do the same.

 Pamela C. Butler
New Orleans