20/20 Vision

Grim redevelopment fills crucial need

The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2018 report, “Out of Reach,” shows how difficult it is for low-wage workers to find affordable rental houses or apartments in this country.

In Texas, a worker has to earn between $15 and $20 an hour to afford a two-bedroom rental. Arkansas is a little better overall as those earning under $15 an hour can find housing. But there are a lot of folks who do not earn $15 or even $10 an hour. Minimum wage is $7.50 in Texas. It’s $8.50 in Arkansas. It’s even less for restaurant servers, who must depend on tips—which can fluctuate wildly—for the bulk of their income.

So things are much better here than in states like New York, California, Florida and others where at least a $20-an-hour wage is required to be able to afford even the most modest apartment.

Many Americans assume the government steps in with subsidized housing for any who need it. The truth is, only about a third of those eligible for housing assistance get it. That’s mostly because reasonably priced rentals are readily available. Often, there is a waiting list to get on the waiting list for such help. It can take years.

It’s important to remember we are talking about people who have jobs. These aren’t benefits scammers out for a free ride. They are doing the right thing. But it’s hard to get ahead when half your paycheck or more goes to pay the rent.

It’s something to think about. And that’s as true in Texarkana as the rest of the country.

When the news was announced that the Grim Hotel would offer affordable housing to those with modest incomes, there was grumbling in certain circles. Some did not feel low-income housing would be good for downtown’s future prospects. It did not fit their vision of a new downtown.

Well, there are a lot of people in Texarkana who work low-wage jobs. And they have to be able to afford a place to call home. The need is there. The Grim developers see that. That’s what we call vision.