Send page to a Friend Affordable Housing Affordable Housing Affordable Housing General Education Resources Jewish Educational Resources Action Opportunities   The US Conference of Mayors considers the lack of affordable housing to be a primary cause of homelessness and one that crosses socio-economic levels. Skyrocketing rents can force middle-class people to move far from their jobs and extended family and pay well over 30 percent of their income on housing. Jewish texts speak to the importance of appropriate housing. When Balam observed the Israelites as they traveled through the desert, he was impressed that they had developed appropriate housing that allowed them privacy. He did not comment that the tents were beautiful, but instead that they were ‘good’ because they met the needs of the community. “How good are your tents Jacob, your dwelling places, Israel!” (Numbers, 24:5) If Balam observed the housing situation in Boston, he would be foolish to expound on its ‘goodness’. The housing problem impacts the quality of life of our entire community. Although there are efforts being made to create more affordable housing, low-wage and even moderate-wage workers are forced to move far out of the city or to move into substandard housing in order to make ends meet. Housing continues to be the largest expense of most households. In these tight and difficult times — with increasing tuition, health care and transportation costs — housing costs are straining the budgets of almost all income groups. (Boston Indicator’s Report, 2002) JCRC offers area synagogues a direct connection to programs related to a variety of issues including hunger, homelessness, affordable housing, community economic development, political advocacy, literacy and the environment. In our work with local congregations, we use our PEAR (Partnership, Education, Action, and Reflection) model as a guide for creating a more effective social justice program. Partnership with other community-based organizations and relationships with individuals from other communities can establish important community ties and make justice efforts more effective. Education, both Jewish and issue-based, is essential to understanding the societal roots of injustice and affirming the Jewish values that inspire action and enhance our impact. Action allows congregations to alleviate suffering, address needs and advocate for systemic change. Reflection personalizes action experiences and strengthens individuals’ and communities’ resolve to affect change. The attached texts provides extensive descriptions of ways that congregations can address the issue of affordable housing. Check the General Social Justice section for other helpful material. For more information on these opportunities and resources, contact JCRC at tzedekresources@jcrcboston.org or 617-457-8600.