Home is where the heart is. This mid-19th century proverb has been interpreted to mean that your home is wherever your loved ones are. This sounds lovely, but it isn’t always a reality for people living in unstable housing situations.
Thousands of Americans know firsthand that stable housing isn’t accessible to everyone. These individuals may experience difficulty paying rent, live in overcrowded spaces, or move frequently. Whatever the situation, it’s essential to know that home isn’t always in the same place from one night to the next for many people. Living a transient lifestyle can have grave consequences on your health and access to medical care. Here is an honest look at the impact of unstable housing on health equity:
A Look at the Research
A 2018 study conducted by the Boston Medical Center (BMC) found that unstable housing can affect overall health outcomes. People struggling to find a stable home may lack the minimal goods and services like food, clean water, or electricity. Dr. Megan Sandel, principal investigator at Children’s HealthWatch and associate director of the GROW Clinic at BMC, reported that physicians should pay attention to housing situations when screening patients. She also stated that housing hasn’t been a factor doctors have historically reviewed.
Another report from HealthyPeople.gov classified cost-burdened people as those who spend more than 30% of their income on housing. People living in this situation have little money left each month for clothing, food, and healthcare costs. In 2014, 83% of households making below $15,000 each year were cost-burdened when it came to housing.
When strapped for cash, these families often resort to living in places that are filled with pests, have mold, or lack adequate heating and cooling systems. All of these factors can lead to both acute and chronic health conditions that require medical treatment. However, having no means to pay for care often ends in tough decisions, like choosing to go to the doctor or eating for the week. Both of these studies show the connection between financial poverty, access to care, and unstable housing.
Unstable Housing, Poverty, and Health Equity
Not having a place to call home is challenging. It happens for many reasons and brings with it a unique set of mental and physical health problems. Let’s explore the connection between unstable housing, poverty, and health outcomes.
Poverty
In 2017, more than 39 million people lived in poverty. Not having money isn’t about not working hard. Many people who struggle to make ends meet are born into their situations with little means to get out. Poverty also happens after losing money, experiencing health problems that cost significant amounts of cash, or social phenomena such as gentrification. Not having a stable stream of income can make finding and keeping housing difficult.
Living in an overcrowded home, in buildings lacking upkeep, in shelters, or on the streets can impact overall well-being. Many individuals experiencing poverty lack access to both acute and preventive care services. They may not qualify for health insurance or know how to access care through government-funded services. Without a doctor or other care professional overseeing the individual’s health, they can become ill quickly and suffer grave consequences.
Mental Dangers of Homelessness
When you see a homeless person, you may silently wonder if mental illness plays a part in their life. In many cases, it does; more than 140,000 people who are homeless also live with a mental illness. Not having a home can increase stress levels and feelings of isolation that can negatively impact their mental health. Living with mental illness while homeless can also increase the risk of problems like joblessness and substance abuse.
Sometimes it can be challenging to decide if the unstable housing situation triggered metal health issues or if the reverse occurred. People living with severe mental health conditions often lose connections with family and friends, making it difficult for them to receive help.
While unstable housing can be a challenge for people of all ages, races, and backgrounds, there are a few specific populations that are at a higher than average risk. Nearly 80% of homeless veterans live with mental illness. Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender also experience high levels of homelessness and unstable housing. They may struggle with conditions like bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Physical Health Factors
Your physical health is intimately connected to your home environment. Having access to running water, food, and shelter impacts overall wellness. If you are forced to make decisions that compromise any of these, you may suffer negative physical health outcomes.
Living on the street or moving in and out of inadequate housing situations can pose many physical health threats. Diseases like the flu, strep throat, and tuberculosis happen at higher rates in the homeless population compared to the general public. Another condition that is prevalent in the homeless is sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Paying for treatments for STDs can be challenging. Without money for vaccines, routine care, or STD testing and treatment, the person may experience adverse long-term health outcomes.
Improving the Lives of Others
Every person is a unique being with needs, wants, and desires. If you’ve never experienced unstable housing, you may not quite understand the link between housing and health. It’s easy to take this luxury for granted. However, experts are finding the many connections between these factors.
If you know a family member or friend who struggles with housing issues, reach out to let them know you care. Your kindness and empathy may be the one thing that keeps them moving toward a life of wholeness and stability.
Photo Credit
Image Source: Unsplash creative commons
Guest Author Bio
Jori Hamilton
Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who covers social justice issues, healthcare, and politics. You can follow her work on twitter @HamiltonJori, and through her portfolio at Writer Jori Hamilton.
Recent Guest Author Articles:
- Empowered to Advocate: How to Become the Voice for the Silent
- How to Build a Celebration-Ready Wine Cellar
- Wander, Discover, Reflect: My Most Surprising Finds in Las Vegas
- Creating Meaningful Connections: What Ecosystems and Families Teach Us About Belonging
- How Breathwork Creates a Pathway Through Trauma: Beyond Traditional Approaches
Please Share Your Thoughts - Leave A Comment!