It’s time to rethink the negative stereotypes and acknowledge the key role mobile home parks can play in solving the affordable housing crisis.
Stereotypes about manufactured housing are stifling a robust source of affordable housing. This is what Zachary Lamb, Jason Spicer, and Linda Shi argue in The Conversation, pointing out that “many people, including urban planners and affordable housing researchers, see manufactured housing parks as problems” rather than one solution to the housing crisis.
The authors outline and debunk four major stereotypes about mobile homes:
The article outlines the real obstacles to manufactured housing: an eagerness on the part of local officials to convert the land to “better” uses, the purchase of mobile home parks by investors, climate change and extreme weather, and aging infrastructure.
Some states are implementing solutions to make manufactured housing communities more sustainable, resilient, and affordable. At the federal level, “The Biden administration’s 2022 housing plan includes extensive support for manufactured housing parks.” The authors suggest coupling current efforts with legislation that expands tenant protections and supports opportunities for resident-owned and cooperative models to support more stable and resilient communities.
FULL STORY: Debunking stereotypes about mobile homes could make them a new face of affordable housing
Thursday, July 28, 2022 in The Conversation
In the low desert of Southern California, dwindling water supplies and a lack of infrastructure funding pose major challenges for working-class communities struggling to survive.
With demand surging and rent costs rising sharply, mobile home parks are becoming unaffordable for their most vulnerable residents.
June 7, 2022 - The Washington Post
After complaints from a seniors-only development that saw a sharp rise in rents in recent months, Torrance will consider an ordinance limiting rent increases for mobile home park residents.
April 29, 2022 - The Daily Breeze
With $24 million in state funding directed to Spokane’s efforts to reduce homelessness, city officials plan to relocate the over 600 residents of Camp Hope. But will services follow?
A humorous “application form” skewers the so-called NIMBY movement.
After homeowners received letters assessing their property’s fire risk, questions remain about the next steps in building fire resilience.
It’s time to rethink the negative stereotypes and acknowledge the key role mobile home parks can play in solving the affordable housing crisis.
25 seconds ago - The Conversation
A draft plan outlines suggested actions to build resilience, minimize carbon emissions, and protect vulnerable residents from extreme weather events.
July 29 - Smart Cities Dive
New research suggests that missing middle housing could help make more affordable housing available to Arlington residents, particularly Black households historically blocked from homeownership in many neighborhoods.
Cohousing Association of the US
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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