“The greatest wealth is health,” so goes the popular saying by the poet Virgil. So, while last month we talked about homeownership as a vehicle for wealth-building, in this post we’ll discuss the invaluable positive impact that stable, quality housing has on the mental and physical health of people of all ages. In fact, the benefits are so stark that the majority of Habitat homeowners nationwide say they’ve witnessed their family’s health significantly improve since moving into their home – reminding us just how important affordable homeownership is to improving the quality of life for members of our community.
Perhaps the biggest overall positive effect that affordable homeownership has on health is the reduction of stress for everyone in the household. People who previously faced high housing costs were frequently stressed as they pinched pennies and fought to make ends meet each month. Finding out that their monthly mortgage payment was reduced to the one-third of their income (the commonly recommended percentage that is ideal to spend on housing costs) may allow homeowners to breathe a sigh of relief because they know they’ll be able to pay their bills on time.
Quality housing and new construction offers the benefit of allowing household members to feel comfortable and at ease in their home because they no longer need to worry about deteriorating conditions, such as leaks or mold, and Habitat homeowners are empowered through their time on the build site performing sweat equity to address any issues that do arise without waiting for a landlord to fix things – instead, homeowners are equipped with skills they may not have had before being a part of building their home and the homes of their neighbors.
Additionally, people who live in a home they own may find peace of mind knowing that they will no longer have to move due to rising costs of paying rent or landlords who decide to sell their rental property. This kind of stability allows adults to stay in their jobs longer, children to remain in the same schools, and stronger community relationships to be formed, all of which create a sense of confidence and belonging. These changes can culminate in feeling a sense of relief that does wonders for the mental and emotional health of the home’s residents. Adults who are no longer constantly frustrated with their finances or their living situation often find that they have more time and energy to give to their children, and children can greatly benefit from these improved family connections.
While quality, affordable homeownership does so much to reduce stress levels and improve the relationships of everyone in the home, it also greatly improves physical health. Rental homes that haven’t been properly cared for can have issues such as mold, heavy dust, and the presence of pests – all of which can greatly exacerbate asthma and allergies. In addition, many older homes contain lead paint which is known to cause a wide variety of developmental and health issues. Dr. Megan Sandel of the Boston University School of Medicine stated, “A safe, decent, affordable home is like a vaccine. It literally prevents disease.”
The positive health effects of affordable homeownership stretch even one step further, thanks to the extra funds in a household’s budget created by having reasonable monthly mortgage payment. People who are burdened by housing costs – that is, spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing – tend to compensate and try to save money by avoiding trips to the doctor and purchasing low-quality food. They are significantly less likely to have health insurance, causing healthcare to be viewed as an extra expense that should be avoided. It’s easier to eat processed foods that are less expensive in order to get by, especially when a household’s income is tight, and people have to consciously budget. By contrast, affordable housing expenses yield people who are more likely to seek out medical care and more likely to opt for nutritious food which paves the road for a lifetime of good health.
Lower stress, safer living conditions, better access to healthcare, greater food stability and better nutrition…while these might not be the benefits a person immediately thinks of when considering homeownership, their significance cannot be denied. “The greatest wealth is health”, and decent, affordable homeownership is one of the best foundations for working people in our community to obtain both.
SOURCES
The Health Benefits of Homeownership
http://www.rchfh.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Healthy-Homes.pdf
Benefits of Homeownership
Why Homeownership is a Public Health Issue
The Impacts of Affordable Housing on Health
Housing and Health: An Overview of the Literature
https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hpb20180313.396577/full/