As wages stagnate and rents continue to rise across the U.S., lower-income renters are increasingly vulnerable to being housing cost-burdened, meaning more than 30 percent of their earnings are spent on housing costs. As a result, they are more frequently threatened with eviction due to their inability to pay rent. It is estimated that annually, eight out of every 100 households receive an eviction notice. And shockingly, being threatened with eviction is associated with a 19% increase in mortality.
Increasing affordable housing options in local communities would help reduce the financial burden on renters, leading to improved mental and physical health conditions. Our Town St Helena aims to do just that.
When lower-income St. Helenans must spend a large portion of their income on housing, they may struggle to afford things like nutritious food or preventative healthcare and medicine. Cost-burdened households who spend 30-50% of their income on rent spend 57% less on healthcare and 17% less on food when compared to unburdened households.
When households have available income to invest in preventative healthcare measures, they tend to experience better long-term health outcomes. And, if they can avoid spending large sums on emergency care, especially to treat conditions that may have been more easily treated through regular attention, they are more likely to avoid the devastating cycle of having to choose between rent and health.
For people who are housing cost-burdened, a major contributor to declining mental health is the stress associated with an inability to afford basic necessities. Individuals facing housing insecurity are at a higher risk of mental health disorders, and children are particularly susceptible. Affordable housing acts as a buffer, reducing the strain caused by concerns about rent, food, and healthcare costs.
Affordable housing closer to local employment opportunities not only aids in economic stability but also positively influences physical health. Long commutes can be stressful and often contribute to sedentary lifestyles. People who live closer to their jobs, especially in a small community like St. Helena, may be able to walk or bike to work – at the very least, a shorter commute means more time for outdoor or physical activities in one’s community. And we can’t forget to mention the lessened impact on our climate that comes from less or no vehicular commute.
Not only does the cost of housing affect one’s health, but so can the location and community in which a family lives. Through the Healthy People 2030 initiative, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established “Neighborhood and Built Environment” as a primary social determinant of health – that means the location in which people live plays a huge role in their health and well-being.
Affordable housing in community-oriented neighborhoods enhances social cohesion. Access to community amenities fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation, positively impacting mental health.
By reducing financial stress, ensuring stable homes, promoting health-conscious spending, and enhancing community ties, affordable housing is a transformative force in improving the overall quality of life for individuals and families alike, as well as the larger community.
