NMHC, in its 2008 Annual Action Plan, said poverty remains a problem in the commonwealth and noted that in 1999, when the economy was not as bad as it is today, 46 percent of individuals of all ages and 30 percent of all families had an income below the poverty level.
NMHC said although the percentage of individuals living below poverty line is high, many would not consider themselves “impoverished” due to “cultural conceptualization.”
“Many people would turn to family members and friends for basic needs,” NMHC said.
“The Section 8 Housing Assistance Program waiting list has significantly increased to 700 families as of 2008,” it added. “Many families are forced to adjust their lifestyles to meet monthly financial obligations and other families rely on federal assistance, as they are barely able to meet their basic needs,” the report added.
NMHC supports an increase in minimum wage and will work with the Workforce Investment Agency to seek opportunities for employment training for those receiving assistance.
NMHC also wants to revitalize its family self-sufficiency program that aims to promote the “development of local strategies for coordinating the use of housing choice vouchers with public and private resources to help eligible families achieve economic independence.”
NMHC believes that economic activities can foster the economic revitalization of neighborhoods.
The Section 8 Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance to very low-low income families.
NMHC expects to receive $2,383,054 in federal assistance for housing voucher program and $1,223,376 for the Section 8 New Construction Program.
