The article discusses an innovative approach to addressing homelessness and the shortage of affordable housing in America by converting single-family houses into rooming houses. It highlights the work of PadSplit, a company that offers furnished bedrooms for working-class Americans, reminiscent of the old rooming house model.

PadSplit converts houses near public transportation into affordable housing by renting out individual rooms with shared amenities like bathrooms and kitchens. This model provides affordable accommodation for people with limited housing options, such as Gregory Walker, who pays $150 a week for a furnished bedroom.

The article traces the origins of PadSplit to an idea by Atticus LeBlanc, who realized the potential of renting out individual rooms while seeking affordable housing solutions. PadSplit operates in 18 cities, offering an online platform for low-income workers to find furnished rooms.

The concept addresses the mismatch between household size and available housing stock, utilizing large houses more efficiently. Despite not receiving direct public subsidies, PadSplit offers a scalable solution to the housing crisis, contrasting with costly public housing projects.

The article acknowledges potential criticisms of the model but emphasizes the practicality and effectiveness of shared housing arrangements over homelessness. It calls for local governments to experiment with policies that incentivize landlords to create rooming houses, acknowledging zoning regulations as a potential obstacle.

In conclusion, the article suggests revisiting old housing solutions like rooming houses to tackle contemporary homelessness issues, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to address the housing crisis in America.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/opinion/homelessness-housing-shortage.html