How Housing Impacts Health

Hospitals are investing in programs to support housing in their communities

October 15, 2024

Pennsylvania’s hospitals are investing in programs to address housing needs in their communities and support social determinants of health.

Last week, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee released a new report focused on the impact of housing on health. The report stems from House Resolution 66, which requires the committee to conduct a study on health and housing. HAP was among the contributors providing feedback, highlighting the key role hospitals play to invest in their communities.

“Hospitals and health care systems are becoming increasingly involved in providing services to homeless individuals and creating more affordable housing opportunities,” the report notes.

• Key recommendations:  The report recommends convening a working group of public and private partners to address issues surrounding housing and health.
  • The report also emphasizes the need for new data-sharing partnerships and the opportunities for state programs focused on social determinants of health.
• The issue:  Unstable housing and homelessness are strongly correlated with negative health outcomes.
  • “Roughly 80 percent of emergency room visits made by homeless individuals are for illnesses that could have been treated with some form of preventative care,” the report noted.
• HAP feedback:  In a letter, HAP highlighted the ways hospitals are supporting and building programs that address social determinants of health, including direct housing subsidies and support services; transitional housing facilities; and partnerships with shelters and personal care homes..
• Quotable:  “While hospital interventions benefit homeless patients, a more cost-effective method of efficiently addressing their multifaceted needs is an investment in supportive housing plans are more likely to experience prolonged medical issues,” the report notes.

Check out the report online.