Affordable Housing Funds Wasted; There's a Better Way Forward
Message to Supporters from www.Djou.com September 25, 2016
Through the campaign I've had the privilege of meeting a number of experts on homelessness in Hawaii. They tell me that one of the significant drivers of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. That's why it is so tragic that the City under the current administration has mismanaged tens of millions of dollars in affordable housing funds.
The City's administration's failure to properly manage affordable housing in our community is utterly tragic and is one of the reasons I'm running for Mayor.
First, I'm committed to completing an affordable housing plan for our City so we have a clear direction and commitment to providing affordable housing. Second, we need to eliminate the waste and mismanagement in our affordable housing program so that federal funds are used appropriately. And, third, we need to look for creative options to incentivize development of affordable housing. I have been working with affordable housing experts, including Peter Savio, to craft policies to actually create affordable housing. An example is "equity build" rental units, which will provide families a path to home ownership by offering them a chance to save their own down payment. Tenants will pay rent, and as they do, the equity the unit gains will go into an escrow account for the tenant instead of to the landlord for profit. This type of City project would create value for tenants; giving tenants the value of the appreciation, amortization, and tax benefits of ownership.
Charles at a press conference on Thursday with housing expert Peter Savio discussing the critical need to fix the City's sloppy handling of affordable housing and need to address housing for our community.
Will you help me continue to spread the word that we have a clear choice in this election -- more failed government or our vision for a better future? Your contribution of $50, $100 or any amount up to the maximum of $4,000, will help us communicate our message. Ballots will be mailed in three short weeks. We can't wait. Every dollar you donate will be immediately used to spread our message of fiscal responsibility and accountability in government. Mahalo in advance for your support.
Aloha,
Charles Djou
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