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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Claire Rush

Why thousands of ‘affordable’ homes are sitting empty during America’s housing crisis

Mathew Davis, a resident of an Austin, Texas homeless shelter, dreams of securing an apartment of his own. Yet with the minimal earnings he receives from donating blood plasma, even a $450-a-month tiny home without running water and with a shared bathroom remains a major stretch.

Meanwhile, more than 4,500 properties the city deems affordable — nearly 16% — sit vacant.

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