First-time homebuyers in California face significant hurdles in their pursuit of affordable housing. These include sky-high home prices, a substantial income disparity, a limited inventory of affordable units, high mortgage rates, and the burden of saving for a down payment and covering closing costs. The median home price in Los Angeles County hovered around $900,000 as of May 2025, making it difficult for many to enter the market. With the median home price consuming about 77% of a median household's income, the affordability gap is significant. Additionally, Los Angeles County has an effective property tax rate of 1.24%, adding to the overall cost of homeownership.

Many misconceptions surround affordable housing, often hindering a true understanding of its nature and benefits. Common myths include the belief that it's only for the extremely poor or homeless, that it lowers property values, leads to increased crime, is poorly constructed, or burdens taxpayers. In reality, affordable housing serves a broad range of income levels, has a neutral or positive impact on property values, does not increase crime rates, adheres to high design and construction standards, and can positively impact local tax revenues. Our workshops address these misconceptions, highlighting that affordable housing fosters diverse, thriving, and sustainable communities.