Building an affordable housing community and handing over the keys can no longer be the standard.

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified inequities in our society and exacerbated the housing crisis, taking it to a critical new point — and the solution now requires more than just putting a roof over people’s heads.

To drive substantive change, a collaborative, cross-sector approach is needed to address the longstanding inequities and challenges faced by those who are housing insecure. Building an affordable housing community and handing over the keys can no longer be the standard. Through cross-sector collaboration, we can do so much more, including creating opportunities for individuals to gain financial security over the long haul, while simultaneously building economic benefit and community pride within neighborhoods.

Read the full piece in the San Diego Union Tribune.