OCR Text |
Show Page 2 Housing Need Critical e In Utah For Low-Incom- The Housing Development Division of the State of Utah estimates, based on 1970 census data, a minimum of 14,443 inadequate housing units in Utah. This is detailed in their report agency personnel and concerned residents who are seeking state to go to education. Instead, it titled funds to continue housing programs during the federal moratorium on housing construction. The suspension originally earmarked as surplus funds be allocated to education and that 9.2 million dollars of the State revenue sharing funds be basis, to utilized, on a one-tim- e help meet the housing needs. 2. The program would be administered by the Division of Community Affairs which would be responsible for developing rules and regulations to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of funds on the basis of need and ability to effectively utilize the funds. An Advisory Committee Utah Housing Data Summary." In Utah, 18,347 persons or 11.4 of the total population in the State had incomes below the poverty level which was defined at the time of the 1970 census as $3,800 for a family of four. It is this group which has an especially difficult time securing adequate housing. As estimated, one-thirpresently live in substandard housing which do not meet basic health codes. A similar number of persons had incomes just above the poverty level. For Salt Lake County, the report prepared for the Salt Lake County Planning Commission entitled "Housing Needs, Salt d Lake CitySalt Lake County" declares the following: There are 6,000 housing units in Salt Lake County which are in such poor condition that they are beyond economic repair and should be replaced. There are an additional 25,000 units which require major repair and rehabilitation to decent housing. become safe and At the present low-incom- e covers all housing subsidy programs for low and moderate income families, including public housing, 235 and 236 programs, farmers' home administration loan programs, 502 housing, etc. While previous contractual commitments will be met, no new commitments will be made. As new construction and housing rehabilitation of housing for the low and moderate income decreases and finally ceases all together, the housing situation for especially, the low income will become intolerable, the Coalition advised. At the present time, approximately five hundred existing low rental units in the and inadequate and unsafe housing will continue to be NEEDS OF THE LOW AND these groups can compete effectively for available housing in today's market. Those who are on welfare do not receive a housing allowance sufficient to provide decent housing. The families within the low income group had a family size of almost so most of the people suffering from poor housing conditions are children. Total number of people in the low income category are estimated to be in excess of 70,000 or more than 15 percent of the County's four, population." EFFECT OF THE SUSPENSION OF FEDERAL HOUSING SUBSIDY PROGRAM The suspension of all federal subsidized house programs for at least eighteen months will further exasperate an already critical housing situation, an Ad Hoc Coalition report states. The Coalition is comprised of social contractors, officials, and residents would advise the Division of Community Affairs. 3. The Division of MODERATE OF UTAH INCOME PEOPLE In view of 1.) the housing crisis in the State; 2.) the 18 month (approximate length of time) suspension by the Executive Office of the President on any new commitments by the Federal Government for housing programs for low and moderate income persons; and 3.) the funds for availability of one-timthis purpose, a wide variety of e organizations are requesting that the legislature appropriate 9.2 million dollars, on a one-timbasis, to help meet the housing needs of low and moderate income people in Utah. e The 9.2 million dollar request is equal to the amount that Governor Rampton projected as unexpended surplus funds in his budget message to the legislature. Since that time, Governor Rampton has agreed to request that these funds be used to meet housing needs in Utah. The p r ogra m wou Id generally operate as follows: 1. Since State tax funds cannot be used to allocate funds to local units of government, revenue sharing funds would be utilized. These funds were recommended by the Governor 4-- H Doina A Is Little Better I I Community Affairs would grant funds to local Housing moderate income persons LEGISLATURE FOR FUNDS TO MEET THE HOUSING Central City youngsters learn a new song. local government development. As a result of the suspension of the rent freeze, rents have risen already. As supply does not keep up with demand, rents will go much higher. Finally, the Coalition said, the low income will simply have no place to live. the County, building activity the status quo will be continued occupied. "The poor are the In 1970there where 17,600 families with incomes below $5,000 a year; there are also 11,300 families in the official "poverty level" classification. Neither of consisting of builders, Authorities which in turn would utilize the funds to provide safe and adequate housing for low and REQUEST TO THE in proposed that 9.2 million city and county are being demolished annually for commercial and industrial of level is in accordance with regulations set forth by the Division of Community Affairs. bill along these lines, developed by a committee A spearheaded by the Utah Housing Coalition, has been introduced by David Nemelka, House Bill 299. It was assigned to the House Committee on Industrial Development. With the funds requested, a minimum of 1,000 housing units for the low income could be built and provisions made for over 1,000 families in existing units. This would provide safe and adequate housing for over 1,000 elderly and for over 6,000 parents and their children. In addition, the lessening of pressure on existing units available to the low income would help many other moderate income families in Utah. Let's Learn About '' was the theme of a meeting held in Central City at the Sumner School Friday, February 23. This was the first such "I've learned to cook, to sew and grow a garden. It's been fun," Miss Olson told her captive audience. meeting in the area and shows, presented by Dorothy Plat 4-H- 4-- youngsters responded eagerly to a program of singing and puppet shows. Bertha Daniels with the Utah State Extension Bureau told the young boys and girls to be "proud of your school. Sumner is 81 years old and the finest school in the city. She explained the 4-- concept of "growing - doing our best - then just a little better. is for youngsters ages with rural and urban programs, she said. Joyce Olson, Sandy and Kent Schmidt, West Jordan talked about their experiences in and offered to work with the Central City youngsters one day a 'week. The group will meet each Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Sumner school. 4-- 9-1- 9 Would Abolish School Fees i by Dean Hoch, Education Specialist, Community Action Program several members of the Legislature, the Community Action Program has surveyed the surrounding intermountain states to determine the current status of and Beverly Eliason, "Brier Rabbit and the Tar Baby and The Lion and the Mouse" thrilled the young people. Mrs. Plat and Mrs. Eliason will also be working with the weekly sessions. They all joined in to sing "The Little White Duck Sitting in the Water" complete with hand puppets. Mrs. Ross, music teacher at Sumner, provided accompanying piano music. If you are interested in leading a group of 4-- youngsters or joining the 4-program in Central City, call Mrs. Daniels at H 328-574- 4-- Bill House Bill 156, a bill currently being considered by the Utah Legislature, would abolish the charging of fees for books and supplies by high school students in the State. Charges are currently not allowable for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade in the State. At the request of Two delightful puppet Annua Meeting And Election Of Officers Westside Council Mar 3 7:30 p.m Glendale Jr. High 1430 Andrew Ave. Special Guest Speakers On -- 1 the charging of fees in the public schools. The states surveyed (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming) all indicated that fees were not allowable in their respective states. In most cases, the State Legislatures have acted to make free public education" "free again". In some cases, the State Supreme Courts have forced the Legislatures to take action in eliminating these inequities in the public school system. Housing. Refreshments. |