Deering High School students, under the guidance of advisors Rich Hooks Wayman and Maria Curit, have made a significant contribution to the Portland community by conducting research on affordable housing availability and accessibility. Isabella Figdor (Senior), Sophia Harrod-Kim (Senior), Natalia Mbadu (Junior), Jael Mowa (Senior), and Eli Tuchinsky (Senior) worked alongside Volunteers of America Northern New England to analyze the city's housing trends and identify critical gaps in service for extremely low-income households. Their groundbreaking findings highlight the urgent need for increased affordable housing production and policies that prioritize those most in need. We are incredibly proud of these students for their commitment to social justice and their exceptional work on this important issue.