Mock fallback summary. - **Discussion**: The podcast opens by presenting the context of boarding houses, specifically single room occupancy buildings (SROs) as a form of affordable housing. The conversation emphasizes the historical significance and the existence of these buildings as a common housing solution in urban areas previously. By framing boarding houses as a solution to homelessness, the hosts set up a discussion on their relevance today. - **Context**: Historically, boarding houses provided low-cost living arrangements for many urban dwellers, especially prior to the mid-20th century. Their decline coincides with rising housing costs and changing urban policies. Understanding the past can inform current discussions on tackling homelessness. - **External Verification**: [Boarding house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boarding_house) [Single room occupancy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_room_occupancy) [Homelessness_in_the_United_States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States) - **Discussion**: The episode introduces Vera Hill, who reflects on her transition from a stable job to living in an SRO due to financial strains. Her room, while lacking a kitchen, represents a balance of communal sharing and personal space, underscoring the real-life implications of housing instability. Through Vera's narrative, the discussion brings a personal touch to the broader topic of affordable housing. - **Context**: Vera's story exemplifies how many individuals face housing challenges, particularly in urban centers like New York. Personal stories like hers are vital in humanizing the statistics about homelessness and suggest a need for more supportive forms of housing. - **External Verification**: [SRO Housing Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SRO_Housing_Corporation) [Affordable_housing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordable_housing) [New York City Housing Authority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Housing_Authority) - **Discussion**: The conversation shifts to an expert, Rebecca Baird-Remba, who provides statistical insights into the peak and subsequent decline of SROs in cities like New York. By tracing the origins of boarding houses to after the Civil War and linking their decline to urban renewal efforts, the conversation illustrates the systemic shifts in housing policies and societal attitudes toward low-income residents. - **Context**: The rise and fall of SROs reflect broader societal attitudes towards urban living and poverty. Historical context reveals how infrastructural policies can dramatically affect communities, illustrating the long-term impact of legislative decisions regarding housing. - **External Verification**: [Urban renewal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_renewal) [History_of_homelessness_in_the_United_States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_homelessness_in_the_United_States) [Single_room_occupancy_housing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_room_occupancy_housing) - **Discussion**: Rebecca connects the decline of SROs to rising rates of homelessness in the 1980s, citing statistics that suggest a significant portion of homeless individuals once resided in such housing. The episode reflects on policymakers' realizations about past mistakes regarding urban renewal and how their decisions inadvertently exacerbated homelessness. - **Context**: Understanding the correlation between SRO destruction and increased homelessness provides insight into modern housing crises. It raises critical questions about policy effectiveness and the need for affordable housing solutions. - **External Verification**: [Homelessness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness) [Single_room_occupancy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_room_occupancy) [Affordable housing crisis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordable_housing_crisis) - **Discussion**: The episode examines ongoing efforts by local policymakers to promote the construction of new SROs, with specific examples from Washington state and New York City. Paul Freitag advocates for the resumption of boarding houses, particularly to support younger and middle-aged populations seeking affordable housing. The discussion acknowledges the practical challenges and realities of living in these environments. - **Context**: The revival of SROs could potentially alleviate housing shortages and provide essential support to low-income families or individuals. Acknowledging the challenges faced by residents in such settings is crucial for effective policy-making. - **External Verification**: [Zoning regulations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoning) [Affordable_housing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordable_housing) [Housing_policy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_policy)

Why boardinghouses could make a comeback

Topics

Introduction to Boarding Houses

Vera Hill's Experience

Historical Context of Boarding Houses

Impact of SRO Decline on Homelessness

Modern Revival Efforts