A new coalition wants to make sure low- and moderate-income households have affordable housing access, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

Rising rental costs and neighborhoods resistant to new affordable housing create barriers for renters and for current and potential first-time homeowners, said Jordan Casey, director of the Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE).

The goal is to bring various stakeholders together so there is a coordinated effort to create housing access.

Limits on rental and homeownership access have created a higher level of people with no place to live, putting the shelter system in crisis mode.

Casey wants people to think of housing as the figurative heart of the community.

When housing is affordable and accessible to everyone, education becomes stable, employment is more attainable and a higher level of public health is achievable.

“And that’s kind of the argument that we’re bringing out to the communities, that this matters to everyone, despite where you may sit,” Casey said.

State Sen. Tim Kearney is one official who wants a more coordinated effort to help people experiencing homelessness, working with community partners “to increase affordable access for everyone,” said Sara McCullough, Kearney’s chief of staff.

Find out more about the new coalition and its mission to create affordable housing access at WHYY.