The Chicago Tribune reports that a side-effect of the current housing crisis is a marked increase in the number of multi-generational families living in the same home.
Quite simply, as people lose their homes, they often turn to family members for temporary or permanent places to live. These living situations can quickly become hazardous, and some have resulted in multiple deaths when a dwelling catches fire. In addition to the fire dangers, it seems obvious that we cannot, as a society, sustain this kind of housing model. Concentrating people in this manner means that local infrastructure becomes overly taxed. There is more water and power being used, more trash being generated, etc. Piles of boxed belongings provide a place for rats and other vermin to build their nests.
It is becoming readily apparent that this is more than just a housing issue, but one of public health and safety as well.
