TOPEKA (KSNT) - A crowd of people gathered outside Topeka City Hall today, frustrated with the lack of affordable housing. Topeka JUMP is raising awareness about the issue. JUMP says 44% of renters in Shawnee County cannot afford their housing, and it's time to speak up. The organization repeate dly pressed the city to use the money in its affordable housing fund, something the city still haven't been able to do. But right now, the city council is looking at other housing options. Last night, city council took its final steps towards adding 250 apartments to downtown Topeka.The proposed Union Tower District has requested $7.6 million in reimbursements. The proposal was unanimously passed by the governing body to start the development of the union tower district. Topeka Fire Department to host camp for young women The project would cost nearly $59 million. "It is one, two and three-bedroom units. It's for mixed income," District 1 Councilwoman Karen Hiller said. "So, you're going to have workforce housing." "I love Topeka, and I want it to be the best place," Topeka JUMP member, Anton Ahrens said. "And one way that it can be made better is for people to have safe, affordable housing." Hiller said in order to tap into the city's affordable housing fund it needs a consistent amount of money going back into it. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. ...read more read less