The reports describe a rapid escalation in rents that in combination with a dramatic decline in state and federal funding has led to a
shortage of more than 134,000 affordable homes in these four counties. Finally, the reports offer concrete steps that state and local representatives should take immediately to help lessen the burden on low-income families in these counties.
Key findings from the county reports include:
High housing costs continue to drive more Bay Area families into poverty.
Minimum wage earners can't come close to affording rents in any of the counties.
The majority of low-income households spend more than half their income on rent, leaving little left for essential needs like groceries, transportation, and childcare.
Funding at the state and federal levels has been cut to dramatically low levels - and in some cases, cut completely - without replacement funds, even as local voters have stepped up by passing their own funding measures.
Median rents are growing faster than in the past - and significantly faster than incomes.
The shortfall of affordable homes has grown since last year.
CLICK HERE to read the full reports for each county.
Later this month, the California Housing Partnership will release similar reports for Fresno, Sacramento, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties.
