I am sure initiative works well if in the right place and right time. New joiners will realise the accommodation shortage is reality not just a whinge. Some strike it lucky, others don't.
When you have wife and kids in tow, wife may not think this place is quite as painted when - A. She may end up living in a hotel room for an unspecified period of time or B. She has to stay wherever you are now for an unpecified period of time until accommodation becomes available.
You may call us whingers, but a whinging wife is far worse
