In response to the recent article regarding the city’s tightening of public housing leases: Instead of concerning itself with the issue of tightening public leases which deter current occupants from affordable housing, the city might consider how it can make housing more easily available for those who need it.

During this economic downturn, the number of people needing affordable housing is on the rise. Finding ways to limit accessibility with strict regiments only hurts those we are trying to help. Is the city trying to assist the people in need, or is it more concerned with enforcing criteria such as late fees? I understand that rules are necessary, but this is not a good time to be coming down more firmly on the people who are most burdened during this critical period.

According to the Bring America Home Act introduced in the 109th Congress, a lack of affordable housing and the limited scale of housing assistance programs are the primary causes of homelessness. Overall, 14.4 million families have critical housing needs.

At a time when food banks and homeless shelters are seeing rising numbers, is this a good time to tighten the screws on affordable housing?