Homelessness, affordable-housing shortage in Seattle sparks ‘micro-apartments’ resurgence

Micro-Apartments: A Solution for Affordable Housing

Introduction

Every part of Barbara Peraza-Garcia and her family’s single-room apartment in Seattle has a double or even triple purpose. The 180-square-foot room is filled with an air mattress where she, her partner, and their children, ages 2 and 4, sleep. It’s also where they play or watch TV. At mealtimes, it becomes their dining room. Despite the tight squeeze, the micro-apartment offers them an affordable housing option at $900 a month, which is more than $550 less than the average studio in Seattle.

It’s warm. We can cook ourselves. We have a private bathroom. It’s quiet,” said Peraza-Garcia, whose family came to the U.S. to escape crime in Venezuela and so she could access vital medication to combat cysts on her kidney. “We can be here as a family now.

The Resurgence of Micro-Apartments

Boarding houses that rented single rooms to low-income, blue-collar, or temporary workers were prevalent across the U.S. in the early 1900s. Known as single room occupancy units (SROs), they started to disappear in the postwar years amid urban renewal efforts and a focus on suburban single-family housing. However, the concept of affordable housing in the form of micro-apartments is reappearing in cities struggling with surging homelessness and the need for more affordable housing options.

The Pacific Northwest, including Oregon and Washington state, is leading the way in the resurgence of micro-apartments. Last year, Oregon passed a bill allowing for the construction of micro-apartments, and this year, Washington state followed suit. The Washington bill, signed by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, requires most cities to allow micro-apartments in residential buildings with at least six units, starting in late 2025.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The legislation promoting micro-apartments is an effort to address several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. No Poverty
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth
3. Sustainable Cities and Communities
4. Reduced Inequalities
5. Good Health and Well-being

By providing affordable housing options, micro-apartments contribute to poverty reduction, economic growth, and the creation of sustainable communities. They also help reduce inequalities by offering low-cost housing to a diverse range of residents.

The Importance of Affordable Housing

Extremely low-income renters face a shortage of affordable rental homes across the U.S. According to a report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a shortage of 7.3 million affordable rental homes for households below federal poverty guidelines or earning 30% of the area median income. This shortage affects nearly one-quarter of renters nationwide.

Micro-apartments provide an unsubsidized affordable housing option for various groups, including young people, elderly individuals downsizing, and those transitioning out of physical or mental health treatment. Rep. Mia Gregerson, the sponsor of Washington’s bill, predicts that thousands of units will be built in her state, helping to bridge the affordable housing gap.

Considerations and Concerns

While micro-apartments offer an affordable housing solution, there are concerns about their suitability for families. In the Seattle area alone, there are more than 3,800 unhoused families with children, highlighting the need for larger units such as studios and one-bedroom apartments. It is crucial for cities to focus on building affordable housing that meets the needs and preferences of their communities.

However, organizations like Central City Concern in Portland have successfully leased single room occupancy units to extremely low-income individuals, including those who were formerly homeless. These units provide a vital option for people exiting homelessness or living on fixed incomes.

Inspiring Change

The Pacific Northwest’s efforts in promoting micro-apartments could inspire other states to take similar steps. By providing affordable housing options, cities can reduce homelessness and overcrowding while creating more inclusive communities.

Conclusion

Micro-apartments offer an affordable housing solution in cities grappling with skyrocketing housing prices, homelessness, and housing shortages. While there are considerations and concerns regarding their suitability for families, they provide a vital option for individuals and contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals. By embracing micro-apartments, cities can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the issue of affordable housing and homelessness, which is connected to SDG 1 (No Poverty) as it aims to address the lack of affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families. The article also mentions the health benefits of having a stable living situation, connecting it to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Additionally, the article highlights the efforts of cities and states to make housing more affordable, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Finally, the mention of partnerships between government, non-profit organizations, and housing providers relates to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 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.
• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

Based on the article’s content, the identified targets are:
– SDG 1.4 aims to ensure equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services for all individuals, including the poor and vulnerable.
– SDG 3.8 focuses on achieving universal health coverage and ensuring access to quality healthcare services and affordable essential medicines.
– SDG 11.1 aims to provide access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all individuals and upgrade slums.
– SDG 17.17 emphasizes the importance of effective partnerships between different sectors to achieve sustainable development goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied 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 3.8.2: Proportion of population with large household expenditures on health as a share of total household expenditure or income.
• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators related to the identified targets. However, based on the content, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 1.4.2 measures the proportion of the population with secure tenure rights to land, which is relevant to ensuring equal access to economic resources and property ownership.
– Indicator 3.8.2 assesses the proportion of household expenditures on health, indicating the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services.
– Indicator 11.1.1 measures the proportion of the urban population living in slums or inadequate housing, reflecting progress in providing adequate, safe, and affordable housing.
– Indicator 17.17.1 tracks the amount of financial commitments made to public-private and civil society partnerships, indicating the level of collaboration and resourcing strategies.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: komonews.com

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