How are people fighting back against the housing crisis and cost of living?

The housing crisis and cost of living have been on my mind (and def on a lot of youse). I feel like just voting for a party isn’t going to fix it, maybe in the short term, depending on who you vote for, but not in any meaningful way. So many of us are struggling, but are we actually doing anything, especially as a community, to push back? Sorry if I sound naive, im here to hear you guys, opinions and thoughts

I get that not everyone has the time or energy, people got different priorities, like surviving in this crisis, taking care of their families, etc. But it feels like we’re more isolated than ever, especially younger people (the whole “loneliness epidemic” thing).

I’ve read about rent strikes, unions (I have mixed opinions on those), and boycotts (especially against US companies/products). I reckon protests and advocacy help, but do they actually work when people in power aren’t being directly affected? Like in The Prince of Egypt (random comparison, but first thing that came to mind), the Pharaoh didn’t change anything until he was personally impacted. That’s often the case in real life too, change doesn’t happen unless those at the top feel the suffering of their people.

One thing that worries me is that instead of fighting for fair housing, more people might just “play the game”, buying up properties and jacking up prices, because it’s the only way they see to get ahead. I know someone thinking of doing this, because thats how the game goes, and I get it, everyone’s trying to survive. But doesn’t that just make the crisis even more worse? Like damn we are all already struggling as it is, I don't want to "hustle" more.

But I want to hear from others. Are there movements, groups, or actions that are actually making a difference? What’s working, and how do we go beyond just voting? If real change requires collective action, how do we even begin when everyone is just trying to survive?

Would love to hear your thoughts.