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Eavesdropping

The conversation was between two young women, both studying EMS, talking about where to live while in Medic school. 

  All I know is that I still can't even afford to live in my hometown of #ColumbiaMD - as an Adult. Single Woman probs

HoCo is craaaaazy expensive. 

I'm guessing these two are working while studying, so they're generating some income. Medic School is not some sleep-away four-year proposition. I think you are working in your field as you go.

Do we want these young people to be able to live here? Do we have the kind of housing options that would make that possible? Right now I think it would be "live with your parents". Or perhaps one can rent a house with a lot of roommates?

I've seen statements online over the years that Howard County is a community for those who have worked to achieve affluence and, if you can't afford it, you don't belong here. These sort of comments go hand-inhand with those who claim that any attempt to introduce affordable housing is an invasion of "Section 8 freeloaders."

The discussion continues to be a polarized one. In the meantime, new housing developments going forward perpetuate more of the same and leave no room for our two young EMS students. 

I think we lose something if our kids can't live here. We lose something if young people can't take a chance on us. All the innovation in placemaking and Downtown development in the world can't save us if there's no room for those who are just starting out. 

So many young folks began their stories in Columbia. What can we do to make sure that can still happen today?

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