LOS ANGELES — Californians all across the state have struggled to keep a roof over their head, with more than half of all renters in the state spending over 30% of their income on rent, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Black women, who are disproportionately affected by the state’s housing affordability crisis, exemplify that struggle.

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, Black women have the lowest rates of homeownership and are burdened by rent at higher levels than their counterparts.

To raise awareness of this issue, the Black Women for Wellness organization launched its “Fierce Aunties on Housing Justice” campaign, sharing the stories of Black women impacted by the housing crisis.

The organization hopes this effort to uplift these voices will help advocate for government policies to address affordable housing, wage equality and rent control.