To say that an affordable-housing symposium is particularly timely in the United States in 2007 seems an understatement. The issue has commanded the nation’s attention over recent months as many regions have struggled, and continue to struggle, with a new influx of homelessness in the aftermath of natural disaster. For other families, rising interest rates and other increasing expenses, coupled with changes in bankruptcy law and additional economic pressures, have taxed personal resources to the point of homelessness. Affordable housing is a complex issue presenting many challenges, and a number of groups have a role in crafting the solutions: among others, the legislators, judges, and others responsible for making and implementing the laws that govern affordable housing; the attorneys who represent lowincome clients; the academicians and law students who research solutions and participate in clinical programs; the architects who envision new kinds of affordable housing; and the city planners who help to incorporate affordable housing within the larger community context. Several of these groups have contributed to this symposium, which is meant to be of use and interest to each of the enumerated audiences and hopefully to others, as well.