The Issues Behind the Affordable Housing Crunch in Southern California

It was with dismay that I read “Residential Overcrowding Puts Squeeze on O.C. Cities” (Sept. 23). The Times properly identified some of the problems that result from overcrowding but treated the fundamental cause (a significant lack of affordable housing) as a peripheral issue.

Does anyone believe that, if given the choice, people will opt to live in overcrowded conditions that give rise to insect and rodent infestation, lack of privacy and clogged sewage lines? Many of the very-low-income residents of Orange County, especially those with children who cannot survive on even two full-time, minimum-wage incomes, have no choice but to double or triple up in apartments to afford outrageous rental costs.

Some city officials are now going to lobby the state, seeking “statewide legislative support” for laws that would allow local governments to “enact and enforce overcrowding ordinances.” Instead of complaining to the state about a lack of power to enforce overcrowding ordinances, perhaps Santa Ana Mayor Daniel H. Young and his colleagues should provide local leadership (beyond supporting the idea of Single Room Occupancy units) in preserving and producing housing that very-low-income families can afford.

TIM SHAW

Chairman, Affordable Housing Committee; Orange County Homeless Issues Task Force

Costa Mesa