Housing costs are expensive and put a strain on the financial stability of individuals living on low-to-moderate incomes (LMI). These housing costs can also cause a ripple effect on other aspects of their financial health, including how well they’re able to manage their daily expense while also taking steps toward achieving their longer-term financial goals.

As part of this research effort, we learned that over two-thirds of SaverLife members cut back on groceries and put off essential healthcare they needed. These trade-offs illustrate the ripple effect and have potential to harm their quality of life and increase their risk for food insecurity and health problems due to a lack of care.

In this brief, we explore the intricate layers of housing affordability by examining the real-life experiences of SaverLife members. We delve into the specific challenges they face and highlight the proactive steps they're taking to navigate these obstacles. Additionally, we’ll identify the programs and resources created to empower them in their pursuit of stable and affordable housing and look at how they can be improved and expanded upon to be more impactful.