Affordable Housing and Public Health Have a Connection We Can’t Ignore

When we talk about affordable housing, we often focus on numbers: rent prices, mortgage rates, or housing availability in places like Livingston County.

But what’s too often overlooked is the critical link between affordable housing and public health.

Yes, where we live impacts our commute or school district, but it also profoundly shapes our mental and physical well-being.

Housing is Healthcare

Let’s be clear: housing is healthcare.

Safe, stable, and affordable housing lays the foundation for healthier communities. Without it, individuals and families are more likely to face chronic stress, poor nutrition, exposure to unsafe environments, and limited access to medical care.

Research from the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows that people living in affordable housing experience better health outcomes than those facing housing instability or homelessness. In communities with access to attainable housing, rates of asthma, depression, and preventable hospital visits drop.

That’s no coincidence.

The Hidden Health Costs of Housing Instability

The stress of housing insecurity—constantly wondering if you can make rent, facing eviction, or living in unsafe conditions—has real physical consequences. Chronic stress can lead to hypertension, anxiety, depression, and weakened immune systems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor housing quality is associated with a wide range of health issues, including respiratory infections, lead poisoning, and injuries. In Livingston County, residents struggling to find affordable housing may also forgo medical appointments, nutritious food, or mental health services just to make ends meet.

This cycle of scarcity doesn't just affect individuals; it strains the entire public health system.

Affordable Housing Improves Access to Resources

It should go without saying, but when housing is affordable, people have more resources to invest in their health. That means filling prescriptions, scheduling preventive care visits, and accessing healthy food.

Transitional housing—which offers stability during life’s hardest moments—also provides critical support services that help people regain their footing and address health concerns before they escalate.

A recent study from Health Affairs found that access to stable housing directly improves access to healthcare services, reduces emergency room visits, and supports better chronic disease management. Affordable housing close to public transportation, schools, and health clinics makes it easier for families to stay connected to essential services, while also reducing the transportation barriers that often stand between vulnerable populations and the care they need.

Safety, Stability, and Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Affordable and attainable housing also plays a major role in community safety. People living in overcrowded or substandard housing are more likely to experience accidents, exposure to mold or lead, and neighborhood violence. Meanwhile, safe and stable housing reduces the likelihood of injury, supports positive mental health, and fosters stronger social connections...all of which are protective factors for long-term health.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that housing stability and neighborhood quality are key social determinants of health. In Livingston County, providing access to safe, transitional housing is particularly important for individuals coming out of crisis situations such as domestic violence, incarceration, or homelessness. These housing options offer safety, dignity, and a path toward stability.

A Healthier Livingston County Starts with Housing

As we at Community Catalysts work to improve public health outcomes in Livingston County, we can't ignore the role of housing. Investing in affordable, attainable, and transitional housing means investing in the long-term health of our neighbors, our families, and our community at large.

At Community Catalysts, we believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home—and that home should be a launchpad for a healthy, fulfilling life. Together, we can build healthier communities by making affordable housing a priority.

Ready to Learn More?

Discover how Community Catalysts is helping to transform Livingston County through housing that promotes dignity, safety, and well-being. Visit our DONATE and VOLUNTEER pages to learn how you can get involved and support healthier futures for all.