There are many reasons why the supply of affordable homes is so low in the greater Tampa Bay area. A conference held in St. Petersburg Friday looked at ways to help ease that strain.

The board held a special meeting Tuesday on homelessness and workforce housing.

Online real estate data company Stessa reviewed statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Based on recommendations from community non-profits, the Sarasota County Commission has agreed to contribute $25 million in federal pandemic relief funds to create almost 700 new units of affordable housing.

As the region sees explosive growth, rents and home prices continue to soar.

Residents said the city has been approving "too many luxury developments without requirements such as affordable and workforce housing components.”

The exhibit showcases photographs of real people in the region who are struggling with affordable housing, but are performing jobs that are making other people’s lives more comfortable.

It hopes to help spread awareness about the housing affordability crisis with the dashboard, which will be updated regularly.