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The need for decent, affordable homes in Southwest Florida continues to increase. In 2016, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area was the number 1 rent-burdened area in the country, with a 29% spike in average monthly rental costs. As one of the first affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has addressed this need for over 30 years, with over 1,400 homes provided. Despite the housing market’s recent and significant changes, the truth is, homeownership costs have been steadily increasing for years. According to urban economics and housing policy expert, Jenny Schuetz, there are a number of factors contributing to this trend. Now that people are living longer with better quality of life, older adults aren’t selling their homes as rapidly as they used to, Schuetz says. This makes it significantly more difficult for younger adults who are ready for home-ownership to find homes. Schuetz also states that following the housing crash of 2008, new home construction slowed down significantly and has yet to bounce back.