Health and housing are two interdependent sectors that critically impact each other. It’s challenging to achieve optimal health without access to affordable and safe housing, and substandard housing conditions can have harmful effects on one’s mental and physical health. NYU’s Health x Housing Lab is a unique initiative that explores this link between housing and health and implements strategies accordingly.
The Health x Housing Lab is a collaborative effort between the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, the NYU Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, and the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, established in 2018. The goal of the Lab is to research, test, and scale up innovations that address the social determinants of health, chiefly housing, to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
One of the primary focus areas of the Health x Housing Lab is to integrate healthcare with housing interventions to provide improved medical outcomes for patients. Studies have revealed that stable and affordable housing can lower hospitalization rates, reduce the burden on emergency departments, and save healthcare costs significantly. The Health x Housing Lab’s research intends to combat these issues by implementing interventions such as subsidized rental housing, temporary housing for health crises, and community health workers embedded in housing settings.
The Health x Housing Lab’s research also highlights the role of housing in mental health outcomes. Poor housing conditions, such as mold, pest infestations, and excessive noise, can exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The Lab’s research has emphasized integrated approaches that address both housing and mental health needs in conjunction with case management services and community-based programs.
Another relevant example of the Health x Housing Lab’s initiatives is the implementation of Healthy Affordable Housing Preservation (HAHP). HAHP program aims to preserve healthy affordable housing and prevent homelessness through strategic partnerships, financial incentives, and advocacy efforts. The program targets multi-family rental properties at risk of deteriorating, thereby preserving and enhancing existing housing units’ health and safety aspects.
In conclusion, the Health x Housing Lab is a unique initiative that helps bridge the gap between healthcare and housing. The Lab’s research and interventions have the potential to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and promote affordable and safe housing for vulnerable populations. The link between housing and health is complex, but the interdisciplinary approach of the Health x Housing Lab is an important step towards creating healthier communities.
