Many positive health outcomes may result from more access to high-quality affordable housing. It is crucial to consider the need for more affordable housing because emotional, behavioral, and physical wellbeing problems will contribute to the pressure on already overburdened healthcare facilities and may make it more difficult for impacted people to access appropriate health care treatment and meet prescribed protocols. This selected collection reflects on the affordable housing crisis in Austin, Texas, and the problems that have arisen as a result of this tragedy have rendered many families homeless, displaced others, and made it almost difficult for younger generations to become homeowners.
When it comes to who is homeless in Austin, there are significant inequalities. More than one-third of our homeless population is Black/African American, but less than one-tenth of the Austin/Travis County population is. Older Austin residents are also overrepresented, and their percentage to the homeless population is growing. One of the leading factors of homelessness, both globally and in Austin, is the inability to afford housing. Many residents are unable to access stable homes due to a lack of funding in affordable housing choices combined with declining incomes. To buy a one-bedroom apartment in Austin, a minimum wage worker will have to work 125 hours per week. Due to COVID-19, these numbers have been rapidly increasing, affordable housing continues to be sparse, and with the upcoming elections approaching it is important to consider these important issues when deciding your stance.

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