There are known to be many drivers of an individual’s health. When we think of these possible drivers what immediately comes to our mind is economics, environment, or any other social condition that has a significant impact on one’s health. But one extremely important determinant of health is housing. People spend their entire lives in their homes which directly or indirectly always has an impact on their lives. A person’s access to quality health along with what sort of food they intake, can all be predicted from their house.
The location as well as the construction of the house has huge impact on health. If you live closer to the recreational areas where you have easy access to the trails where you can jog or run as well as the presence of natural elements, it can bring positive change in your health. Living in a community where people are around you brings communication opportunities and helps in well being of people. Even if you have a perfect home located in a perfect community but your house is not built while keeping in mind the important health benefits of certain elements, then you might lose the essence of that house.
Houses are now built such that they include ventilation and other safety gadgets. It is important that every house has windows that can bring in a good amount of sunlight as well as fresh air.
Even though such health problems are prevalent and go unnoticed, there is no need of indulging in hopelessness as the solutions to this intertwined issue are also present. Expanding housing choice vouchers is one of the options to target homelessness, overcrowding, or any other related housing instability. If those renters who experience any health complexity are placed in supportive housing that aids them in their health, independence, or housing, this can then become a long-term solution to this intertwined problem. On the other hand, health sectors can play their role in solving this problem. When such expansion strategies are introduced, they provide relief regarding medical bills and help in the overall management of annual household budgets. The assistance is enough to ease the difficulties for several units pertaining to a family.
There are many ways through which stakeholders from both sides can come together and help people with their health concerns and housing problems. Both sectors can maximize their efficiency only when the efforts made are joint and collaborative. Housing and health sectors share a two-way bond, when there is a change in the policies of one sector, a change is expected in another undoubtedly. Every individual has the right to live in conditions that are suitable enough to make their lives healthier and better. Collectively, all stakeholders have to reach a point where no one has to make a compromise when it comes to their health even if they do not hold high-income status. And this goal can only be reached by the combined efforts of all institutes.
