Santa Fe Youthworks supports HomeWise's affordable housing project for community members

In the heart of Santa Fe, a pivotal government meeting unfolded, drawing attention to a pressing issue that resonates deeply with the community: affordable housing. As city council members gathered, the air was charged with urgency, reflecting the growing concern over the rising cost of living in a city where many who work there can no longer afford to call it home.

Diana Woods, a retired teacher and long-time resident, passionately voiced her support for a proposed project by HomeWise, which aims to construct 61 housing units—half of which will be affordable. "People who work here can't afford to live here," Woods lamented, highlighting the stark reality faced by educators, police officers, and young families in Santa Fe. Her words echoed the sentiments of many who have witnessed the city’s transformation over the decades, emphasizing the desperate need for housing solutions that cater to the community's workforce.

Woods praised HomeWise for exceeding the city’s minimum requirements for affordable units, stating that their efforts could provide a vital lifeline for those at risk of being priced out of their own neighborhoods. "This could be homes for teachers, child care providers, police, young people, old people," she asserted, urging the council to expedite the approval process and bring the project to fruition.

The meeting also featured Ellen Stone, a local resident who expressed her support for the project while raising concerns about the lighting in the area. Stone emphasized the importance of maintaining low light pollution to preserve the beauty of the night sky, a cherished aspect of life in Santa Fe. Her comments underscored the delicate balance between development and environmental considerations, a theme that resonated throughout the discussions.

As the council deliberated, the focus remained on the broader implications of the housing project. The urgency to address the affordable housing crisis was palpable, with community members rallying behind a vision for a more inclusive Santa Fe. The planning commission's decision to separate the park discussions from the housing project was noted, but many attendees remained hopeful that both initiatives would progress in tandem, enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

As the meeting drew to a close, the collective call for action was clear: Santa Fe stands at a crossroads, and the decisions made today will shape the future of its community. With voices united in support of affordable housing, the city council is poised to take significant steps toward ensuring that Santa Fe remains a place where all can live, work, and thrive.