To the editor:

With relatively low wages, high rent/mortgages and incomplete public transportation in Lawrence, it is clear that living and working here is unaffordable for too many of us. Senior citizens on fixed incomes, single parents/single-income families, service industry and many working class, even “high paying” jobs, just don’t pay enough to keep housing costs at the 30 percent guideline. About 20 percent of our friends and neighbors suffer life in poverty.

Recently, city leaders hosted a six-hour study session to define the problem and work toward consensus. Representatives from affected businesses, social services and Justice Matters rolled up our collective sleeves to set goals to identify funding sources, develop partnerships, increase units while reducing costs and to build sustainable revenues for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund while putting resources into best practices. KU figures greatly into increased housing costs; hopefully leaders there will take ownership in this critical issue.

There is reason for optimism but the challenges are vast — most notably, creating permanent, affordable housing stock. The goal is to solve the entire affordable housing crisis within 10 years. Ownership of the issue by our community as a whole, participation, and real partnerships are needed.