In 2022, SEAP partnered with the Propel app to survey SNAP-eligible households on their biggest economic concerns two years into the pandemic, as well as where they hoped governments would apply pandemic recovery funds. More than half of the more than 3500 survey respondents listed affordable housing as a top concern for them or their communities, and nearly half wished their state and local governments would prioritize investing federal dollars into housing affordability.

In 2024, SEAP spoke with a broad range of housing advocates, including national policy analysts, statewide and local housing coalitions, housing attorneys, policy experts, and direct service providers to understand the gaps in support and infrastructure among housing advocates. In total, SEAP conducted interviews and conversations with 35 housing partners from across the South. The most common needs identified by affordable housing professionals included the ability to connect with people doing similar work in other states, and a way to learn from peers finding success in housing policy within the Southern context.