Consider This from NPR What We Lost When Hotels Stopped Being Housing
Jul 27, 2022
Henry Grabar, a staff writer at Slate, explores the forgotten role of residential hotels in America's housing landscape. He discusses how these hotels once provided affordable living for diverse populations but have dwindled over time, exacerbating the housing crisis. Grabar highlights the plight of former residents of the Merkle Hotel in Tacoma, who faced eviction and instability. He advocates for a revival of extended-stay hotels as a solution to today's housing challenges, emphasizing the need for innovation in affordable housing.
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Kathy Dewar's Story
- Kathy Dewar, a resident of the Merkle Hotel, faced homelessness after being forced out.
- She died eight months later after missing dialysis appointments, highlighting the tragic consequences of displacement.
Decline of Extended Stay Hotels
- Extended stay hotels, once common, have nearly vanished from the American housing landscape.
- Their absence contributes to housing market dysfunction, argues journalist Henry Grabar.
Overlooked Housing: Hotels
- There's a significant housing shortage in the US, impacting both rentals and homeownership.
- One overlooked aspect is the disappearance of hotels as a housing option.