PRESIDENT ' S message
Affordability and the Critical Role of Nonprofits and Lawyers
Across the United States, many would argue that affordability has become a significant challenge. Families may be struggling to keep pace with expenses of all types, housing costs, healthcare expenses, childcare costs, education debt, and the everyday costs of food, transportation, and utilities. While economics fluctuate, the reality for many individuals can be: wages have not kept pace with the cost of living, and financial security may feel out of reach.
For many Americans, affordability is no longer an economic issue. It could be a barrier to opportunity, stability, sometimes health, and justice. As communities navigate these challenges, nonprofit organizations and legal professionals can have an essential role to play in helping individuals access resources, protect their rights, and help build pathways toward greater financial stability.
Challenges
The affordability challenge can impact people across all economic, geographic, and demographic lines. Young professionals may struggle to purchase homes. Working families may face difficult choices between paying rent and covering medical bills. Older adults on fixed incomes may see their retirement savings strained further than ever before.
Housing can be one of the most significant pressures. In many communities, rental costs have increased, and home ownership has become difficult due to rising home prices, insurance costs, property taxes, and interest rates.
Healthcare expenses may create financial strain even for those with insurance. Childcare costs may also be a burden for working parents, often consuming a significant percentage of family income.
The cumulative effect of these pressures can be profound. Financial insecurity may contribute to stress, mental health concerns, workforce instability, and reduced economic mobility. Affordability challenges may also disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and historically underserved communities.
Nonprofits Matter More Than Ever
Nonprofit organizations often serve as the first line of support for people facing many types of hardship, providing services that bridge the gap and offer practical assistance and solutions that can sometimes make an immediate difference in people ' s lives.
Nonprofits frequently help individuals navigate complex systems. Whether applying for public benefits, finding workforce training opportunities, securing childcare assistance, or managing debt, many people rely on nonprofit organizations to serve as trusted guides and advocates. Importantly, nonprofits can often support in addressing root causes rather than responding to immediate crises.
4 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026