Housing is Healthcare

 

Like many of the major cities across the country, Portland is experiencing a housing market imbalance resulting from an increased demand for housing unmatched by the supply. Currently, home ownership feels out of reach for all but the wealthiest. With an influx of wealthy families paying unprecedented amounts above home value, gentrification leads to a loss of affordable housing. The US Census Bureau reported that since 2010 Portland’s median rent has increased more than 57% and the median house price has skyrocketed from $242,000 to $539,000, growing at more than double the national rate. Consequently, lower income families, many of which are BIPOC households, are inequitably forced into displacement and homelessness. 

There are many forms of homelessness but whether an individual lives on the streets, in a shelter, or in a transitional housing program, homelessness creates dramatic economic and public health repercussions. 

Homeless individuals face tremendous barriers to health care. While they suffer from the same illnesses as others, they do so in higher rates, according to The National Alliance to End Homelessness, homeless individuals are up to six times more likely to have the illness. Lack of insurance, safety, and access to care results in thousands of deaths from preventable illnesses. Studies conducted by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that homeless individuals typically have much shorter life expectancy, dying up to 30 years sooner than those with housing. Furthermore, homeless suffer higher rates of cancer, birth defects,  infant mortality, mental health disorders, asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

The impact of homelessness is severe to all who suffer it, but the impact on children is detrimental and lifelong. Homeless children face constant daily hardships and harsh living conditions. The stress of poverty can delay a child’s brain development with long-term consequences on physical and mental health. According to The Family Housing Fund, children who are homeless are four times more likely to show major developmental delays or have a learning disability; lifelong effects that follow them into adulthood impacting their chances to succeed academically and financially. The social impact is clear, children are the future workers and leaders of our communities. Thus, there will be an economic impact if a large proportion have not had access to education, health, or a safe environment in which to grow and learn. 

Housing has a direct tie to health and in turn, the education and economic prosperity of our community. Familiarity with local programs can help us all to participate in the continued betterment of our community. 

Click here to learn more about Portland’s community efforts to increase health access for the homeless.