focuses on the struggles faced by individuals and families in finding affordable and decent housing amidst rising rents and overcrowded living conditions. It describes the deteriorating factors of poorly constructed homes, such as lack of light, ventilation, and cleanliness, all contributing to an unhealthy environment. The authors introduce the contrasts between model worker housing and traditional, substandard living conditions, emphasizing that many tenants endure appalling situations while still paying high rents. In this introductory portion, a family portrait emerges, reflecting the emotional and physical toll that such living situations can exert on family dynamics and health. (This is an automatically generated summary.)