The Housing Act of 1949 specified the “realization as soon as feasible of the goal of a decent home and suitable living environment for every American family.” This goal is from reality for many middle and low income families. Housing is usually the largest expense for most people, and high rents can leave people with little money for other provisions such as food, education and medical care. Lack of affordable housing can lead to malnutrition, poor health care, and even homelessness. In addition to housing affordability, inadequate housing can have adverse effects on public health. Overcrowding and poor housing encourages mites, cockroaches, virus and molds, which lead to chronic illness, such as respiratory and infectious disease. The Program on Health, Equity and Sustainability works to support housing polices which decrease poor physical conditions of housing, increase affordable housing units and mitigate exclusionary zoning polices.

Redevelopment, renovations, or conversions of residential property can result in increased rents, displacement, and even homelessness. These effects can have indirect adverse effects on human health by causing poverty, loss of social support, and substandard living arrangements. In 2004, the Program on Health, Equity and Sustainability conducted two focus groups to learn about the potential effects on health and well being of long-term tenants who faced eviction due to proposed demolition. These focus groups explored the issue of eviction and its related health and social consequences from the perspective of the people experiencing it by hearing the tenants' stories in their own words. The report, Anticipated effects of Residential Displacement on Health: Results from Qualitative Research provides compelling evidence for policy to prevent to the loss of existing affordable housing due to redevelopment of existing affordable housing.

 

Related DPH reports:

  • The Case For Housing Impact Assessment May 2004 (pdf)

  • Unaffordable Housing: The Cost to Public Health
    • June 2004 (pdf)

  • Testimony to the Planning Commission on Health and Housing
    • July 2003 (pdf)

    Other Publications

  • Housing and Population Health
  • Affordable Housing and Smart Growth

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