As a university student at the University of California, I have experienced firsthand the harsh realities of housing insecurity. At my university, the housing crisis is more than a headline; it affects us mentally, emotionally, and financially. Finding a safe, affordable place to live often feels like a game of survival.
This struggle echoes around the world. In the European Union, 10% of EU citizens spend roughly 40% of their disposable income on housing, highlighting an ongoing struggle that requires immediate reform („Is Housing Affordable“). Urban areas, in particular, are disproportionately affected by the Housing Cost Overburden Rate as the influx of high-skilled workers drives up prices, deepening the wealth disparity and exacerbating the shortage of affordable housing.