With all the heated debate about the Governor's proposal to abolish the state's redevelopment agencies, the human aspect of that potential action has gotten lost in the scrum.    Affordable housing is more than the number of jobs and dollars generated.  It can be the cocoon for beginning  a new life for families that are down on their luck.   It can make all the difference in the world to the children who will be hurt the most if development of affordable housing stops due to lack of funding.

Several studies have found that children in lower income families that live in rundown housing are likely to suffer from iron deficiencies, malnutrition, under-development, mental health problems, developmental delays ,elevated stress levels, depression and a sense of dread and hopelessness.

Whether financed through redevelopment funding or other sources, quality, affordable housing is critical to the physical and psychological health of children who may be living in a lower income household.

Without redevelopment money, there will simply not be enough funding to create adequate affordable housing to satisfy even current demand.  California redevelopment agencies are the second largest funder of affordable housing, second only to the federal government and now the Obama administration is reportedly recommending to do away with some of the federal funding sources.

We need to take care of our children who must have the opportunity for a better life, which requires quality housing that is affordable to their parents.

Laura Archuleta

President, Jamboree