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NMHC scrambles to address housing shortage
The Northern Marianas Housing Corp., a federally funded agency that helps residents who are below the poverty threshold to obtain affordable housing, is itself faced with issues relating to a shortage of housing units and workers to build them.
Its corporate director, Jesse Palacios, said that many residents have been affected by the shortage of affordable homes on island and the agency is no exception.
According to him, the two main factors contributing to the agency’s insufficiency to provide housing is because the demand for housing is higher than the number of unit available, and more and more contract workers are leaving the islands, putting a strain on the development of new housing units.
A resident of Korean decent who agreed to speak on the condition that she only be identified as “Ms. Lee” said that she has also been affected many times by the lack of affordable housing. Based on her experiences, she believes the housing shortage is due to foreign investors leasing several properties on the islands. She and her family have been forced to vacate their homes four times already.
According to Lee, there are a few positive points for the local economy but the cons definitely outweigh the pros.
The worst experience Lee has had with the issue was when she was forced to leave her rented house within a month. She and her family were not informed beforehand and finding a new home within the month was nearly impossible.
“It was hectic and tiring,” Lee added.
The issue is prompting NMHC to review its plans to reopen and renovate foreclosed properties.
Aside from housing, the corporation is responsible for many public development projects. That includes the renovation of the Oleai track and field beside the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. NMHC was also responsible for building the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. Another project recently completed by NMHC is the Koblerville Gym across the Coral Ocean Point Golf Resort, the renovation to the Northern Marianas College Gymnasium, and the building of the Kiosku Municipal Council in Chalan Kanoa.
