Housing and Transportation

Housing is more than adequate shelter from the elements. Housing includes multiple characteristics such as the stability and security of the housing, the quality and safety of the housing, the neighborhood quality and associated social networks, and the affordability of the housing.

In short, in order for housing to be a home that supports health and well-being, multiple domains need to be addressed. When housing fails to meet the needs of individuals across these domains, there are negative implications for health, ranging from an increased risk of injury and chronic disease to limited neighborhood resources (e.g. few parks or bike paths).

Housing is a key social determinant of health and the foundation of day-to-day living conditions. Housing features influence health status and health behaviors. Disparities in access to safe, secure, and adequate housing can occur across divisions by income, race and ethnicity, age, and family structure.

Discrimination and segregation continue to influence housing options available to individuals, and disparities in housing can disproportionately increase the risks of environmental exposures such as lead and mold as well as reduce desirable neighborhood characteristics like walkability, safety, and access to key features like supermarkets.

Families with precarious housing situations are subject to psychosocial stress that affects children and adults alike, increasing health risks and reducing success in other social determinants of health, such as education. Addressing housing needs can have substantial and long-term benefits for health and well-being.

Accessible transportation means individuals have the means to access destinations and activities, especially those essential locations such as healthcare services. The transportation system, including street design for cars, walking and biking paths, and buses and train routes, plays an important role in ensuring that travelers can reach everyday destinations safely, reliably, and conveniently.

Inadequate transportation can stem from a lack of vehicle access or an inability to pay for costs associated with a vehicle such as repairs, parking, and titling. Inaccessible transportation can also come from insufficient transportation options like a lack of safe infrastructure for walking and biking, and limited public transportation.