The Connection Between Home, Health.

• Author: Scotti, Samantha

Where we live matters. Homes full of dangerous chemicals, lead or molds, those with poor air quality or those that expose residents to temperature extremes can lead to high rates of chronic health conditions.

And, of course, it's difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle, let alone manage mental health and chronic conditions, if one has no home at all. Research demonstrates a strong positive relationship between stable, safe, affordable housing and people's mental and physical health. And better health results in lower health care costs.

In an Oregon study by CORE, an independent research hub, and Enterprise Community Partners, a population of nearly 10,000 low-income individuals were moved into affordable housing. Medicaid expenditures dropped by 12%, primary care visits increased by 20% and the use of emergency departments fell by 18%.

One promising policy approach is to provide supportive housing--a combination of affordable housing and support services...