Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis in CA-41 and the United States

Dave Karson for Congress
Luchando por la familia, la justicia, la dignidad y el respeto.

Executive Summary

America is in the midst of a worsening affordable housing crisis. Nationwide, more than 11 million renter households are spending over half their income on housing. In Riverside County and throughout California’s 41st District, the effects are particularly acute—with surging rents, scarce affordable units, and rising rates of homelessness. This white paper explores the roots of the crisis, evaluates federal and local housing programs, and proposes policy solutions to ensure every American has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Section I: National Overview of the Affordable Housing Crisis

• Key Statistics:

  • Over 7 million extremely low-income households in the U.S. cannot find affordable homes.

  • The U.S. is short more than 3.8 million housing units, according to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

  • Federal housing investments have not kept pace with rising construction costs and population growth.

• Contributing Factors:

  • Stagnant wages

  • Rising land and construction costs

  • Local zoning and NIMBYism

  • Chronic underfunding of federal housing programs like HOME and Section 8

Section II: The Role of Federal Programs

• HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HUD):

  • Established in 1990 to fund construction, rehab, homeownership support, and rental assistance

  • Administered by state and local governments ("Participating Jurisdictions")

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

• Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds

Recent federal budgets have proposed deep cuts to these programs, especially under budgets supported by Rep. Ken Calvert.

Section III: Affordable Housing in Riverside County

• Riverside County Context:

  • Median home price: Over $600,000 (2025)

  • Rent burden: Over 50% of renters are rent-burdened

  • Population growth outpacing housing development

• HOME Program in Riverside:

  • In use since 1992

  • Supports homeownership for low-income families, rehabilitation of substandard housing, and affordable rental projects

  • City of Riverside currently managing 15+ affordable housing projects

• Challenges Specific to CA-41:

  • Farmworker housing needs

  • Homelessness in suburban and rural areas

  • Gentrification pressures in gentrifying urban cores like Riverside city

Section IV: Ken Calvert’s Record

• Supported April 2025 budget resolution cutting HOME funds by 60%

• Voted to slash $597 million from public housing

• Repeatedly backed ACA repeal and Medicaid cuts, worsening housing instability

Section V: Dave’s Policy Platform

• Protect and expand HOME and Section 8

• Increase federal investment in affordable housing construction and rehab

• Incentivize local zoning reform through federal grants

• Establish national renters' bill of rights

• Increase funding for homelessness prevention and supportive housing

• Partner with nonprofit developers and land trusts

Section VI: Vision for the Future

Affordable housing is about more than roofs and walls—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity. As your representative, I will fight to ensure every family in CA-41 has access to housing they can afford. It’s time to stop treating housing like a privilege for the few and start building a future for the many.

Believe. Belong. Build.