Downtown Wichita losing affordable housing option to parking
Downtown Wichita losing affordable housing option to parking KSN-TV
sdgtalks
Downtown Wichita Affordable Housing to be Replaced by Parking Lot
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The demolition of apartments located at 520 E. Central Ave. in downtown Wichita will soon commence, making way for a parking lot.
Tenants Forced to Vacate
Tenants residing in the apartment building across from Nifty Nut House have been given a month and a half to find alternative housing options.
Affordability Crisis
The monthly rent for these apartments can be as low as $295. Given the existing affordable housing crisis in the city, residents are now struggling to secure new accommodations.
A Dire Situation for Residents
Glenn Riedel, a resident of 520 E. Central Ave. for almost nine years, expressed his concerns about the situation. He stated, “It’s cheap rent. I’m on a fixed income. I get $934 a month.” If Riedel fails to find affordable housing, he may face homelessness.
At 66 years old with a bad back, Riedel’s physical condition makes it difficult for him to stand for extended periods of time. He lamented, “I’ll be living in my truck. It’s the only thing I’ve got left to do.”
Kris Sims, the building manager, highlighted the challenges of connecting residents with affordable housing providers. She mentioned that out of the numerous calls made, only a few respond.
A Statewide Shortage of Affordable Housing
According to the City of Wichita Housing and Community Services, there is a shortage of approximately 40,000 quality affordable housing units across the state. Amanda Meyers, Executive Director of the Wichita Family Crisis Center, emphasized the severity of the problem. She stated, “Affordable housing is really hard to find for middle, low, very low-income families.” This scarcity of housing units leads to longer stays in temporary shelters for individuals in need.
Meyers also mentioned the difficulty in finding landlords who accept vouchers and participate in programs for low-income individuals.
Property Owner’s Plans
Steve Jahn, the owner of Nifty Nut House, revealed that since purchasing the property in 2018, he had always intended to demolish the building. However, Kris Sims, the building manager, claimed that she was not given sufficient notice about the demolition.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
- Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance. | Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 1.4: Ensuring equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services for the poor and vulnerable.
– Target 11.1: Ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
– Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
These indicators can help measure the progress in ensuring equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services, as well as the improvement in access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.
The article mentions the shortage of affordable housing units and the difficulty in finding affordable housing providers, indicating a lack of access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing. This aligns with the target of SDG 11. Additionally, the article highlights the low rent costs and the potential homelessness faced by individuals like Glenn Riedel, emphasizing the issue of poverty and the need for equal rights to economic resources.
The demolition of the apartment building and its conversion into a parking lot further highlights the inadequate housing situation and the potential increase in slums or informal settlements. This aligns with the target of SDG 11.
Overall, the article provides evidence of the challenges related to poverty and inadequate housing, which are addressed by SDG 1 and SDG 11. The mentioned indicators can be used to measure progress towards these targets.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ksn.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
