Task force works on affordable housing plan

by Nick Delgado

Guam - The Housing Opportunities Make Economic Sense (HOMES) Task Force met this afternoon. The group includes representatives from GHURA, the Guam Housing Corporation, the Guam Contractor's Association, GEDA, along with several realtors. The task force is hoping to develop policy recommendations to make home ownership possible for every person who is willing to work for it.

GHC President Martin Benavente says the military buildup will only make it harder for residents to find affordable housing. "You got three rates: you got the military rate that's renting an average two-bedroom now for about $1,400 or $1,500, then you have GHURA which rents their Section 8 at about $900, and then you have regular renters who are out there and have to survive on their own. As a landlord which one would you pick? Automatically you are going to pick that marine, military allotted person," he said.

Task force members are also hoping to identify more government property to develop more affordable homes for residents.