A survey of the programs taking a proactive approach to the role of housing in health outcomes, and a call for more collaboration between the housing and healthcare industries
An article by Aaron Shroyer proceeds from the knowledge that "[h]ousing is one of the underlying and critical components of these social determinants of health," and begins to lay out a medical framework for diagnosing problems with housing and writing a prescription to address those problems.
"With evidence building about the inextricable ties between housing and health, some programmatic changes and ideas are emerging that resemble a policy prescription," writes Shoyer, before listing some of the best examples already in use around the United States. For example, and with more detail in the source article:
- Health impact assessments
- Allowing states to use medicaid dollars to support housing-related health programs
- The US Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) initiative to end veteran homelessness, including "the US Department of Housing and Urban Development VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher program, which allows veterans to access permanent housing and other services to address their needs."
Finally, Shoyer ends with a provocative question meant to reframe out understanding of how housing challenges can better served by the medical profession: "What if all medical professionals—not just VA doctors—could be empowered to ask about housing conditions and provide resources to address those problems?"
FULL STORY: Writing a Prescription for Housing
Maryland Assistance Program Links Housing and Healthcare
The state will begin funding an existing program that targets the healthcare needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
California Lawmakers Seek to Fund Sober Housing
A 2016 law prohibits state-funded supportive housing from mandating sobriety, but supporters of a proposed bill say a new approach is needed in light of the opioid crisis.
Study: How a ‘Housing First’ Approach Impacts Healthcare Access
An analysis from Denver shows that unhoused people receiving services based on a Housing First approach were more likely to access psychiatric care and had fewer emergency medical visits.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
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Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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