The lack of affordable housing has long been a problem in the District. For some residents, this means that they are forced to live in housing that eats up nearly all of their paycheck, leaving little for other basic necessities such as food and clothing. For many others, the cost of housing is so high that they are forced to double up in homes and apartments, move out of their community, or live in their cars or out on the streets. The economic recession and housing market collapse have had a devastating effect on the District’s economy and its residents. With a growing number of families experiencing unemployment and reduced income, it’s very likely that DC’s affordable and homelessness housing problems have continued to worsen.