No more passing the buck on affordable housing in Johnson County

In recent discussions about affordable housing, Johnson County Supervisor chair Rod Sullivan has repeatedly stated that "the state and federal government have to do their part, the county can't fix this alone,” and “we need massive federal investments in affordable housing." While these statements highlight systemic challenges, they overlook a crucial resource already available: Iowa City received $18.3 million and Johnson County received $29.3 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

This substantial allocation from the U.S. Treasury has yet to be used for affordable housing. This is perplexing given that the guiding principles for ARPA funds include maintaining flexibility to address emerging community needs, seeking lasting changes in physical and social infrastructure, and ensuring that funding decisions help mitigate racial inequalities.

Not using these funds for affordable housing is a missed opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on our community. The flexibility of ARPA funding is designed to address emerging and evolving needs such as affordable housing. Strategic investments in affordable housing align perfectly with ARPA's emphasis on lasting changes in infrastructure and social equity.

Sullivan must stop deflecting responsibility to the state and federal governments and take decisive action. The county has the funds to make a difference, but so far, nothing has been done. Affordable housing is an urgent need. Families across our county are struggling with rising rents and a lack of affordable options, affecting especially our most vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, seniors, and people of color. This situation exacerbates existing inequalities and undermines the health and stability of our community.

By leveraging ARPA funds, the county can make significant progress. Investments could include developing new affordable housing units and providing support services to help families stay in their homes. These actions would provide immediate relief and create a foundation for lasting change.

Additionally, a May 13 forum held at the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center highlighted the urgent issue of immigrant homelessness. The statistics presented at the forum were stark: over 55% of Latino workers in Johnson County are chronically homeless, resorting to doubling or tripling up occupancy just to survive. However, these individuals and families are often overlooked in traditional resource allocation methods, such as the annual Point-In-Time counts. This disparity highlights a systemic failure to adequately address the needs of immigrant communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization.

Sullivan's comments failed to grasp the complexity and urgency of the situation. Comparing college students sharing housing to immigrants facing chronic homelessness is insensitive and misguided. College students typically have access to resources and support systems that immigrants, especially those facing language and cultural barriers, do not have. Moreover, his comment that "that's what most people do" in reference to doubling up occupancy minimizes the severity of the issue and fails to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities, such as discrimination, lack of access to affordable housing, and fear of deportation.

Sullivan must understand that homelessness is not a choice but a consequence of systemic inequalities. His rhetoric only serves to marginalize and dehumanize vulnerable populations. As a society, we must strive for greater understanding, empathy, and responsibility in addressing the needs of all community members, regardless of their housing status or background. It is imperative that we work together to develop holistic strategies that prioritize equity, inclusion, and dignity for all.

The time for passing the buck is over. The county must act now, with the resources it has, to ensure that every family has access to safe, affordable housing. This is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of justice and equity. It's time to take action.

Yaneli Canales of Iowa City is a member of Escucha Mi Voz Iowa. Jane Noble-Davis of Iowa City is a Catholic Worker and St. Thomas More parishioner