Prior to the pandemic, access to affordable housing was grossly inadequate.  That problem has exploded in magnitude since the onset of the global health crisis.  It is not surprising that the shortage affects those at the lower edges of the income range the most.  With inflation and the increase in income inequality, the list of people being squeezed out of the middle-class ranks grows by leaps and bounds each year.  Consequently, the need for affordable housing cannot keep pace with the market’s ability to service that need.  It is a vicious cycle with devastating outcomes.  Educational achievement, employment opportunities, emotional well-being, and personal safety all suffer when there is housing insecurity.