Social Determinant of Health: Access to Affordable Housing
Context and Scope:
One social determinant of health (SDOH) that is a major concern in my community is access to affordable housing. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, approximately 30% of households in my community are spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs, indicating a high level of housing insecurity and financial strain. This lack of affordable housing can have serious consequences on the health of individuals and families, as it can lead to overcrowding, poor living conditions, and increased stress and anxiety.
Three characteristics of the target population affected by this SDOH include:
- Low-income individuals and families who are struggling to afford rent or mortgage payments on their current housing.
- Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness due to a lack of affordable housing options.
- Seniors on fixed incomes who may be struggling to afford rising housing costs.
The policy makers who will receive this policy brief include the local city council and mayor, as well as relevant state legislators and officials. It is important for these policy makers to be made aware of the issue of affordable housing in our community, as they have the power to create and implement policies that can address this SDOH and improve the health of our community.
The current policy for affordable housing in our community is limited, with only a few programs in place to assist low-income individuals and families with housing costs. This lack of a comprehensive policy has significant ethical implications, as it leaves many members of our community vulnerable to housing insecurity and the negative health consequences that come with it.
Demographics Table:
| Demographic | Scholarly Resource |
|---|---|
| Demographics associated with the SDOH | According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the racial and ethnic makeup of households in my community experiencing housing insecurity is diverse, with significant proportions of Hispanic/Latino, African American, and White households affected. (https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/data/reports.html) |
| Risk factors associated with the SDOH | Risk factors for housing insecurity and homelessness include low income, unemployment, and lack of access to affordable housing options. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5820113/) |
| Trending facts associated with the SDOH | The number of households experiencing housing insecurity has been steadily increasing in recent years, with rising housing costs and limited affordable housing options contributing to the trend. (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il17/index.html) |
Policy Proposal and Implementation Plan:
Policy Alternative 1: Increase Funding for Affordable Housing Programs
This policy alternative involves increasing funding for existing affordable housing programs, such as rental assistance, homebuyer assistance, and supportive housing for homeless individuals and families. This could be achieved through a combination of state and federal funding, as well as partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
Supporting evidence: Studies have shown that increasing funding for affordable housing programs can lead to significant improvements in housing stability and health outcomes for low-income individuals and families. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5820113/)
Policy Alternative 2: Implement Inclusionary Zoning Ordinances
This policy alternative involves implementing inclusionary zoning ordinances that require developers to set aside a certain percentage of new housing units as affordable housing. This could be achieved through local legislation and partnerships with developers.
Supporting evidence: Inclusionary zoning ordinances have been successful in increasing the availability of affordable housing in
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