| Given that responses to
the housing survey CSU systemwide were generally positive, it is not surprising
that over 70 percent of CSUS faculty, support staff, and MPP staff (even
higher response rate), including more than half of those who have to relocate
as a result of accepting a position with CSUS, reported being "satisfied"
or "very satisfied" with the current housing situation. They also indicated
that housing issues would not be their reason for leaving the University.
However, if on-campus housing were available, thirty-seven percent would
have used it when they were hired. Housing assistance programs would be
beneficial to these full-time current CSUS employees, especially in the
area of a) down payment, b) loan information, c) closing costs assistance,
and d) monthly mortgage.
It is important to know that
housing issues may vary depending upon the geographical location. With
very limited information we received from the Chancellors Office, the overall
results of this study must be referenced with caution. According to Sacbee.com
(May 2001), if the state Capitol weren't consumed with worry about the
price and reliability of electricity, chances are that lawmakers would
be worrying instead this year about the price and availability of housing.
For years, building, particularly of apartments, hasn't kept up with the
number of new residents and jobs. The result has been rising prices, sprawl
and economic hardship up and down the state.
Rents have soared 46 percent
in San Diego since 1996. In the Silicon Valley, high prices and rents have
made it impossible for middle-class workers to buy a house or rent an apartment,
forcing thousands of Bay Area workers to flee to the Central Valley to
find a place to live. This has put more pressure on prices and availability
of housing in Sacramento, making it difficult for lower-income people to
find or afford their own shelter. Due to the lack of affordable housing
as a key barrier to continued economic success, the future results of this
study are not guaranteed to be as favorable as they are today. Without
any housing assistance program, CSU employees may find it hard to live
in a society none of them can afford. |
