Central Ohio’s economy is chugging along, but the availability of affordable, decent housing for low-income residents isn’t keeping pace.

To help address the deficit, 11 housing organizations have formed the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio with the goal of adding 27,000 lower-cost apartments in 10 years.

The alliance is one of several groups hosting a Boston pediatrician who is to speak this week about how important safe housing is to good health.

Dr. Megan Sandel, associate professor of pediatrics at the Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, is to speak at noon on Wednesday at a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum at the Athletic Club of Columbus, 136 E. Broad St.

“Affordable homes keep kids and communities healthy in the future,” Sandel said in a phone interview last week.