As winter sets in, Alaska DOT prepares another push to remove homeless encampments, a reality that, when you really stop to think about it, is a stark one. The idea that people might be facing the bone-chilling cold of an Alaskan winter without a roof over their heads is simply staggering. You can’t help but wonder how anyone survives in those conditions. The very thought conjures images of potential hardship and, tragically, even death. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it’s a harsh reality, especially in a place known for its unforgiving winters.
The fact that this situation plays out every year is both disheartening and a bit maddening.… Continue reading
Canada announces a new federal agency to build affordable housing. Well, here’s the scoop. It seems like the government is trying to tackle the housing crisis, which, let’s be honest, is a pretty pressing issue. But the question is, how? Unfortunately, from the sound of it, this new agency is leaning heavily on private enterprise to get the job done. And that, my friends, is where things get a little tricky. We’ve seen this song and dance before, with the feds and Ontario giving it a go for years, and the results haven’t exactly been stellar.
You see, when you hand over the reins to private companies, especially when it comes to handling public funds, the incentives can get a bit… skewed.… Continue reading
Here’s a summarized version:
The city of Detroit is facing a critical shortage of affordable housing units, disproportionately impacting low-income residents and exacerbating existing socioeconomic disparities. This scarcity is driven by a combination of factors, including rising construction costs, limited government subsidies, and increased demand due to population growth. Consequently, many Detroiters are struggling to find suitable and affordable places to live, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this housing crisis.
Read More
The Canadian government will end its funding for federally-funded hotel housing for asylum seekers by September 30, 2025, a measure that has cost approximately $1.1 billion since 2020. This decision impacts the 485 asylum seekers currently housed in Ontario and Quebec hotels. While the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assist in finding alternative housing, advocates and experts express concerns about the limited availability of affordable housing and municipal shelter capacity, especially in cities. Additionally, the government has recently cancelled plans to revamp the asylum system and proposed border laws will likely create new challenges. Community organizations, many of whom are already stretched thin, fear the end of funding will lead to increased homelessness for asylum seekers.
Read More
On June 15th, 2025, coordinated protests against overtourism erupted across Southern Europe, with the largest demonstration in Palma, Mallorca. Protesters, concerned about rising housing costs and the displacement of residents, employed water pistols to playfully disrupt tourists, highlighting their frustration with the negative impacts of mass tourism. The demonstrations, occurring in cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice, underscore growing tensions between residents and the tourism industry, which is increasingly blamed for erasing local character and affordability. Governments are attempting to address these concerns, with Spain recently taking action against illegal short-term rentals, but significant challenges remain in balancing economic benefits with residents’ needs.
Read More
In one Colorado town, people experiencing homelessness can sleep in their cars – but only if they have a job. This seemingly paradoxical situation highlights the stark realities of the affordability crisis, particularly in areas with high seasonal employment and exorbitant housing costs. The town’s approach, while unconventional, provides a temporary solution for those working hard to make ends meet but struggling to find affordable housing.
The sheer number of working individuals forced to live in their vehicles is striking. Think about it: ski instructors, snow plow drivers, nurses, restaurant servers – all essential workers, all contributing to the local economy, all unable to afford even a modest apartment.… Continue reading
The $5 billion Emergency Housing Voucher program, designed to prevent homelessness, is exhausting its funds, leaving roughly 60,000 renters at risk of eviction. The program’s expiration, communicated in a March 6th letter from HUD, is due to the depletion of initial funding, and no additional federal money is expected. This leaves local housing authorities with no clear solution to support their existing tenants, potentially leading to a significant increase in homelessness. The situation is exacerbated by rising rents exceeding the program’s capacity and existing long waitlists for standard housing vouchers.
Read More
The Trump administration has halted a $1 billion program designed to preserve affordable housing, jeopardizing crucial upgrades to tens of thousands of low-income housing units across the country. This decision, directed by the Department of Government Efficiency, halts funding for energy efficiency improvements and critical repairs, impacting projects already underway. The termination threatens to destabilize numerous affordable housing projects, as the funding serves as a critical foundation for attracting additional investments. Consequently, many low-income residents face the imminent risk of displacement due to the lack of necessary repairs and renovations.
Read More
The Iowa Supreme Court overturned a federal COVID-era provision requiring 30-day eviction notices for tenants receiving federal housing assistance, reducing the notice period to three days. This decision, the first of its kind nationally, stems from the interpretation of the CARES Act’s temporary provisions. The ruling is expected to disproportionately affect low-income renters, potentially exacerbating homelessness and straining already limited resources for housing assistance. Critics argue the change is cruel and will burden an already strained system, while proponents believe it aligns with the CARES Act’s intended temporary nature.
Read More
Spain welcomed a record-breaking 94 million foreign visitors in 2024, a number that, while economically impressive, has sparked considerable backlash among the local population. The sheer volume of tourists has placed immense strain on already existing resources and infrastructure, creating a palpable tension between the economic benefits of tourism and the quality of life for residents.
The influx of tourists is driving up rental costs in popular destinations, forcing long-term residents, including local Spanish citizens, out of their homes and neighborhoods. This isn’t simply about rising prices; it’s about the erosion of the very fabric of communities. The unique character of these areas, built over generations, is being replaced by a homogenized tourist experience.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker