Emerging strategies for integrating health and housing: Innovations to sustain, expand, and replicate

For decades, housing professionals, public health officials, and city leaders have recognized the link between people’s homes and their health and well-being. Residents of substandard housing may face health hazards such as toxic lead paint or mold, and the struggle to cover housing expenses may contribute to chronic stress and reduce resources available for other basic needs such as an adequate diet or access to health care. The housing sector has historically led the charge to create healthy homes and living environments, focusing on improving affordability and housing quality, and forging connections with health services. Only recently, with increased attention on the social determinants of health, have health care leaders embraced interventions that address nonhealth factors such as housing. This study examines emerging interventions that integrate housing and health services for low-income people, with a focus on interventions where health care organizations have taken a significant leadership role.