Article on the Affordable Housing Crisis from the Chico ER

“According to the report, gaps in inequality that already existed in Butte County before the fire demonstrated that a very low housing inventory combined with little availability had already created a housing crisis.

In 2018, Paradise was known for a large number of affordable homes that were not subsidized, and losing over 13,000 units with “natural affordability” cannot be easily replaced the report notes.

A review of housing units lost in Paradise showed approximately 6,000 units below $200,000 in value. At a simplified replacement value of $300,000 the lost affordability gap could be at least $600 million in one community. A homeowner paying $500 a month or less for a housing unit in Paradise was common and many owners were free and clear of a mortgage.”

You can read the rest of the article here: Countywide Study Reveals Camp Fire Disparities in Housing