Officials discuss affordable housing needs in Durham: ‘Not enough’ [Video]

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — As Durham city leaders work to meet affordable housing needs for residents such as Tony Morris McDonald, the 519 Main Street resident said it’s not the new construction he’s interested in but rather how the needs of children in communities like his are being met.

“I understand what you can do … just don’t sit around and say, OK, we’ll do this and we’ll do that,” McDonald said. “Really, it’s about the kids.”

McDonald’s concern comes as city leaders met with Housing and Urban Development Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio on Wednesday to discuss the affordable housing crisis with Bull City advocates and residents in a roundtable discussion after touring some of the Durham Housing Authority public housing sites.

“We know more money is needed for people we serve. There’s a lot of need out there,” Monocchio said.

From funding to partnerships, Monocchio said they’re working closely on the …