The greater Lowell community is in the midst of a housing shortage, similar to the rest of our state and nation. Housing is complex, and housing that is affordable even more so. But how did we get here and what does it mean? Essentially, there is an imbalance between supply and demand, the result of strong economic growth in West Michigan. In the past few years, many new businesses have moved to the Lowell area and others have expanded, bringing more employees. At the same time, our strong school district continues to attract new families. All of this is great, but affordable housing has not kept pace. And our neighbors in need are impacted the most.