How many of us have driven down a roadway in Natchez, Adams County or Concordia Parish and starred in amazement at a run-down, dilapidated house?

Common sense causes us to consider how a property owner could allow the structure to fall into such a state. Sometimes the structure is so severely deteriorated that we are puzzled at how, exactly, the structure seems to defy gravity.

Then, as we continue to stare, someone opens the front door and steps outside.

Suddenly, reality hits home. The house believed to be vacant is an occupied dwelling.

You won&8217;t read about this problem in any tourism brochures, but the reality is true &8212; here as it is in many parts of the country, affordable housing is greatly needed.

The City of Natchez, particularly Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis, deserves praise for seeing the need and seeking verification of the need prior to finding a solution.

Natchez&8217;s leaders will ask for federal help in funding a study to determine how big the need is and in what locations additional housing would be best placed.

While public housing may not get as much attention as some of the &8220;bigger&8221; issues facing the city, the need is arguably among the most important. Especially, when you&8217;re the person stepping out onto the crumbling porch as the new cars slowly cruise past.