“No society can be fully understood apart from the residences of its members.” This quote, taken from “Crabgrass Frontier,” a groundbreaking history of America’s suburbs, is prominently displayed on the wall behind my desk. It perfectly encapsulates why I am passionate about covering housing for The New York Times – housing is at the core of our lives. It is where we build our homes, raise our families, and store our wealth. Whether we own, rent, or are homeless, where we reside shapes much of our existence.
In recent years, housing has shifted from being a symbol of American strength to a pervasive crisis. The dream of owning a home is slipping away for many, leading to a rise in long-term renting. Household overcrowding, illegal housing, and homelessness are on the rise, while people are moving from expensive states to more affordable ones, creating new housing challenges in their wake.
However, there have also been new opportunities emerging. The increase in remote work has allowed people to relocate to cheaper housing markets, and some have taken on property development or become landlords. Legalizing backyard homes in places like California has inspired homeowners to create small rental units on their properties.
As a journalist covering America’s housing crisis, I have delved into every aspect, from policymakers in statehouses to those experiencing the consequences firsthand. I write about tenants and landlords, developers and environmentalists, public housing and private initiatives – even the ambitious endeavor of building a new city from scratch.
My stories draw from diverse topics and locations across the country, but they all share a common thread: they are grounded in the narratives of individuals and the places they inhabit. I welcome your input – I want to hear about the housing challenges you are facing and how they are impacting your life, family, relationships, and community. Your stories inspire the articles I write.
I carefully consider all submissions and follow up with additional questions to ensure accuracy before publishing. Your privacy is paramount, and I will not publish any information without your explicit consent or share your contact details outside the newsroom. If you prefer to submit anonymously, please visit our tips page.
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