Last week the State of Mississippi had a $350 million affordable housing plan accepted by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development. According to an announcement made by HUD, the plan aims to help provide affordable housing for working families. The state continues to experience a chronic housing shortage.

HUD Secretary Steve Preston reports, "It's been nearly three years since Hurricane Katrina wiped out much of the housing stock in South Mississippi and working families continue to struggle to find a decent home. This plan will inject critically needed capital into the Mississippi housing market, offering hope and a home to thousands of these families."

Affordability has been a key issue across the entire nation -- in both the rental and homeowner markets.