Letter: Our commitment is vital, ongoing

October is Housing America Month. More than 70 years ago this nation committed itself to providing a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans. This goal has not yet been realized.

Ensuring that all Americans have secure housing is a critical national objective that can be met through commitment of resources at every level: Funding by federal, state and local governments as well as commitment of time and resources at the community level.

Today more than 15.6 million households pay more than half of their incomes for housing. America is the best housed nation on earth. Yet for a growing and more economically diverse number of families, children, seniors and persons with disabilities, affordable housing in safe communities is something seen on TV.

As individuals, organizations and a nation, we must seek ways to do more and do better to help those least able to help themselves.

Safe, decent and affordable housing is pivotal in our community. Beyond providing basic shelter, it positively impacts the economy and improves the quality of our schools, our businesses and the health of our community.

For 40 years the River Falls Housing Authority has been responding to housing needs of low- and moderate-income citizens. Apartments and programs administered by the RFHA are well managed. They provide clean, safe and over 200 affordable rental homes.

Partnering with Our Neighbors’ Place, ARC, Habitat for Humanity and local apartment communities, RFAH continues to reach for the goal of providing decent housing.

We are celebrating by hosting a booth at the River Falls Business Expo Saturday, Oct. 29.

As a community we will recognize that 40 years have passed since the first apartment building opened for occupancy and celebrate RFAH’s commitment of meeting the housing needs of River Falls into the future.

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