HPIO releases fact sheet on housing and health

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released a new fact sheet titled “Uplifting Community Voices: Housing and Health.”
 
The fact sheet uplifts experiences with two programs — Healthy Beginnings at Home (HBAH) and Families Flourish — with emerging evidence of improving housing stability and maternal, child and family health and well-being.
 
The fact sheet explores the following themes that arose through thematic analysis of program participant and staff interviews:

• Housing access improves physical and mental health
• Housing location matters for well-being
• Social support, resources and time build long-term stability
• Housing programs can provide opportunities for empowerment and advocacy

The fact sheet found that, like other states, Ohio faces major challenges in housing affordability and availability. As illustrated above, housing cost burden varies by county in Ohio, but also by race with Black (20.3%), Hispanic (14.8%) and Asian (11.6%) Ohioans experiencing severe housing cost burden more often than white Ohioans (9.2%).
 
“Programs like the two highlighted in this fact sheet are needed because, while housing is a foundational driver of health, not everyone has equal access to housing,” the report states. “Stable and safe housing influences access to jobs, healthy food, quality healthcare and educational opportunities and reduces stress. Housing is especially important during pregnancy and for families with young children, impacting maternal, child and family well-being.”