Lack of affordable housing is an economic and social problem in many urban environments in the United States. Colorado Springs is not immune to this quandary. The cost of rent here is exorbitant for blue-collar workers. Finding a place to live in Colorado Springs on a minimum wage is almost impossible. The affordable housing issue has been a concern far too long. This dilemma will not just go away without an innovative plan.
Eric Meldrum, Launch High School’s Entrepreneurship Program Director, is working with his freshman class to design possible solutions to the problem. Students have invited local experts on the predicament of homelessness and affordable housing in our community to the Launch to discuss the matter in order to design a viable solution.
The students held a meeting with Katheryn Lilly, Deputy Director of Family Promise of Colorado Springs, to discuss the subject. Ms. Lilly shared her own personal story of being a homeless single mother with 6 children just 5 short years ago right here in Colorado Springs. Ms. Lilly, who now helps families experiencing homeless just like she once was, shared her ideas along with the names of other agencies in our community who are trying to help rectify the problem.
Over 1,600 people are on the Colorado Springs Housing Authority’s low-income housing waiting list and there are many more who never apply. The urgency for a solution is great.
On behalf of our city, thank you and good luck, Launch Freshmen.
