Part of me can see their side to this, in a way. The truth is, there isn't much in the way of affordable housing, even for people who make more than minimum wage. If you make $40,000 a year, that is roughly $2300 a month after taxes. And also way over minimum wage. In Northern VA, where my sister lives, the apartments start at $1400 a month for a 2 bedroom, and those are by no means top of the line. That is a basic 2 bedroom apartment. Then you would have to add utilities. Elec, water at minimum, at least another $150 a month, higher in seasonal months like winter and spring when you need heat or AC. A basic phone will set you back around another $30 a month, closer to $50 probably if you add internet (and need to work from home from time to time). If you own your car outright and have no car payment, you are still going to need car insurance. About another $80-$100 a month. So after all that, you have about $500 left over for the month. And this isn't counting health insurance costs, car maintenance, gas for your car, etc, let alone food and any kind of fun.
What is needed is affordable housing that ISN'T a haven for Section 8 folks, welfare frauds and drug addicts. Any place affordable is going to suck to live at, based on what I have seen. As soon as you move the leeches in, they suck the life and soul out of the neighborhood.
