New Book Narrates Affordable Housing Crisis, Poor Living & Health Conditions

March 10 12:44 2023
Blighted: A Story of People, Politics, and an American Housing Miracle Tells of Education + Healthcare Solutions from Tenants Perspective

Las Vegas, NV – With the economic shutdown still echoing its impact, the eviction moratorium having come to an end, and 11.4 million Americans behind on rent, more and more families are becoming acquainted with low-income housing and the dingy living conditions they typically offer. However, some low-income units bypass “dingy”, facing hazards such as exposed electrical wiring, defective HVAC units, pest infestations, mold, dust, and more. Families find themselves crammed into units smaller than what they truly need, as the cost of housing is drastically higher than what they can afford. All of these factors are known to cause illnesses such as asthma, black mold syndrome, heat exhaustion, mental and emotional health disorders, and more.

As a landlord worried about the impact of these conditions on students at home, Marjy Stagmeier, Star-C founder and apartment investor, knew these environmental conditions were inadequate and she was determined to find a solution. In 2014, Star-C began working on its hybrid housing + education + healthcare model, transforming crime and pest-infested neighborhoods into communities equipped to support the families and children living in them. With safe and stable housing established as a basic requirement, Star-C’s model also stresses the importance of education as well as building and maintaining the wellness of their residents.

At Willow Branch Apartments, Star-C’s first apartment complex within the piloted model, partnered organizations and medical facilities offer residents medical care- including regular health check-ups, dental care, and screening fairs for diabetes and other illnesses. Additionally, residents are assisted in finding an affordable healthcare provider that can meet their specific needs as well.  Upon hearing the stories and experiences of her resilient tenants, and disrupting the system via her “compassionate capitalism,” an inspired Marjy began to write her new book, Blighted: The Story of People, Politics and an American Housing Miracle.  

“Landlords are in a unique position to build community capital and influence tenant lives.  They are the “unofficial mayor” of their apartment communities and can make or break families by simply increasing rents beyond affordability or reducing security and other expenses, creating a  dangerous environment.  Blighted demonstrates landlords can create affordable “communities of choice” in partnership with community resources, thus giving tenants the opportunity to build their own social capital.” 

About Blighted

Blighted offers a unique insider perspective of the political, human, and economic challenges of delivering equitable housing in a market fueled by inflationary prices, insatiable demand, and competing and often dubious agendas. Summerdale’s success is a bright model of how affordable housing, education, healthcare, and social capital can interconnect to build vibrant, sustainable communities—affordable housing communities, nearby schools, and the community at large. From there, kids, families, working people, and neighborhoods can thrive.

To interview Marjy Stagmeier on affordable housing, for profit social change or to receive a digital copy of the book for review, please contact Melissa Jones, at 702-683-7516 or [email protected]

Blighted: A Story of People, Politics, and an American Housing Miracle is published on UGA Books, and available via any quality bookseller. 

Media Contact
Company Name: EVRY1 Kool
Contact Person: Melissa Jones
Email: Send Email
Phone: 702.683.7516
Country: United States
Website: https://www.amazon.com/Blighted-Politics-American-Housing-Miracle/dp/1588384713

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