The Allentown Voice is a student journalism lab focusing on affordable housing in the city of Allentown. The U.S. currently has a housing deficit of 7.3 million homes and housing instability affects every part of life in Allentown. The Allentown Voice aims to tackle issues that affect the people of the city, especially those living in the city center who have seen a large investment in revitalization projects.

As a journalism lab, students work as editors to collaborate with community members and housing advocates and experts. They determine the structural barriers to housing access through intensive research and reporting, often spanning months or full semesters. Students synthesize the perspectives of residents to address the issues using a community-centered approach. Led by Sara Vigneri, a journalism professor, editor and researcher, the Allentown Voice investigates and looks to answer local questions about housing instability, as well as cover homelessness, rental assistance and development in Allentown.

Beginning in January 2022, the launch team worked with Sara to develop story ideas, learn about local news and the importance of affordable housing nationwide. The team aimed to fill the news desert that existed after The Morning Call was bought by a hedge fund in May 2021. Using systems thinking, the team brainstormed and then reported stories on social media. The Allentown Voice officially launched on September 15, 2022 with several reporting projects by the launch team and a local news event that highlighted community local news including LehighValleyNews.com, Archmair Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley Live and Spotlight PA.

Following the launch, student journalists have continued to work on topics such as evictions, federal funding for housing and development projects in the city.