Removing Barriers to Economic Opportunities Blueprint for Success: Increasing Access to Affordable, Stable, and Quality Housing

America has a housing crisis to the extent that thousands of individuals and families experience homelessness and face housing insecurity on a constant basis. According to the 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, on any given night, in any city or county across the United States, more than 582,000 people experience homelessness. Those experiencing homelessness often couch surf, live in cars, reside in shared spaces or vacant buildings, or live in shelters or outside in tents.

This is the second in a series of YWCA Greater Pittsburgh issue papers that describe one of today’s most critical issues facing women, their children and families: access to affordable, quality and stable housing. It also sheds light on some of the factors contributing to these challenges and reveals how YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is helping to remove barriers through programs and community partnerships targeted to help individuals increase access to affordable, stable and quality housing for themselves and their families.