GAW
Ok I hear that the collecting for an apartment is inappropriate but thats not the case for everyone. The minhag to buy an apartment has been around a long time. Its just that prices have gone up big time and now some have to go collecting to afford to pay for it. I agree if you cant afford it then go without it.
Ask a Rabbi if you are obligated to give Tzeddakah to someone collecting for a house for his kid.