I think this is one of those times when we're all right, you, me, every reply on this thread.

Building owners need help with renovations that would let them come up to code, people w/ extra space but no landlord skills need help getting them, towns need help setting up policies that encourage local affordable full-time residencies.

"I've got that extra room downstairs that could be a small apartment, but I heard of one friend who did that and...[insert horror story about bad tenant, theft, losing food/heating assistance, taxes doubling etc here]" is something I've heard from more than one local.

People are afraid to create housing in their existing homes, there's way too many ways it can go south if you don't have the legal/handyman chops. Owning housing is a business/skill like any other, it's a job, and not everyone's cut out to do it -- and if you screw up, you can really get hosed.

>nothing meaningful ever happens

With you there. :/