We launched Ladies on the Ladder two weeks ago and it’s been amazing to see so many new faces join the conversation. Thank you for being here!

Many of you have been following along since March and you’ve read about my experiences trying to save for a cottage downpayment and navigating the homebuying process. It’s been empowering to share, aspire and work towards things like having a fabulous credit score and paying off my student loan debt so I can focus on saving for a downpayment.

But I also want to take a minute to acknowledge the privilege I have to be able to dream and scheme for these things.

There is an affordable housing crisis in Toronto. As hard as it is to purchase a home right now, you might be even more hard-pressed to find an affordable rental. And when people with lower incomes can’t find a place to live, they can end up on the streets or in unsafe living situations. Single mothers, minority women, seniors and people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by housing instability.

Most of the articles in our Buyer Guides section steer readers through the homebuying process. This week, I switched gears to write an article that shines light on this very important issue. You’ll also get to hear from an organization that helps very deserving people take that first fateful step on the property ladder. Check it out.