In this op-ed, Margot Kushel, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative at UCSF, calls attention for the need of federal investments in affordable housing. She outlines that the federal governments disinvestment in affordable housing has forced local governments to use general funds to provide assistance, further highlighting it will take a coordinated effort between agencies to solve the crisis. "Increased federal funding is necessary, but not sufficient. Yet without it, it will be difficult to end homelessness. This crisis is solvable. Ensuring that people have housing that they can afford – through higher income, lower rents and dedicated rental assistance, as well as access to appropriate services – is essential." Dr. Kushel writes.
This op-ed was published as part of the Public Voices Fellowship in partnership with The OpEd Project and funding from the California Health Care Foundation.
