The Trouble With Housing
LeTania Kirkland | 2-17-2010 | Comments |
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At a time when the search for affordable housing is becoming increasingly competitive in Los Angeles, those who are recently released from prison find the stigma of their criminal records yet another obstacle in their plight for stability. The latest study released by the Center for Housing Policy found that 35 percent of working families in Los Angeles spent over half their income on housing in 2008. Unemployment in Los Angeles currently rests at 12.4 percent.
Further, as unemployment and foreclosure rates in the city have risen, more residents have been pushed into the rental market, leaving those with the lowest-incomes with even fewer options.
Charles Lane, a long time resident of Compton, CA was released from prison in June 2009, after being convicted of possession and sales of marijuana. In an interview, Lane said he has turned his back on crime; but the difficulty in finding jobs and decent, affordable housing is enough to lead even the strongest person to frustration.
Lane shares his struggles in this "In His Own Words" profile.
Tags: affordable housing center for housing policy charles lane compton unemployment