Health & Housing
Kaiser Permanente knows that many Bay Area families are challenged by skyrocketing home prices, impacting their overall health and well-being. Many families take on multiple jobs, commute long hours, and stretch their paychecks to pay for basic necessities. What’s more, without the chance to build equity through homeownership, far too many families miss out on the chance to create long-term wealth for themselves and their loved ones.
Bay Area Housing Crisis
Housing – and critically, affordable housing – is recognized as one of the largest challenges in the Bay Area
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Bay Area families spend 41.9% of their household budget on housing, significantly higher than the 34.3% U.S. average
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The Bay Area failed to produce 700,000 units of needed housing over the past 20 years
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The chronic housing shortage makes it difficult for lower and middle-income households to compete with high-income households for housing
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Soaring home prices push homeownership further out of reach for many families
Housing is Part of Total Health
Healthier Families
Homeownership and affordable housing open the door to happier and healthier lives and allows families to thrive.
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Financial Stability: When families don’t have to spend a large amount of their paycheck on housing, they can afford to spend more on important things such as healthcare, nutritious food, childcare and education. Plus, they are more likely to be able to save money for the future, whether it be for retirement, a child’s college fund or a family getaway.
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Better Health: Affordable housing has a big impact on families’ mental and physical health. Knowing they have a safe and stable place to call home can help give families a sense of security and peace of mind. Homeowners also report greater life satisfaction, self-esteem and happiness than renters. Moreover, people who live in safe housing are at lower risk of health issues such as lead poisoning and asthma, and they have a lower risk of injury.
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More Quality Time: When families have stability through homeownership and housing conveniently located near work and community amenities, they have more time available to spend with family and friends, strengthening relationships.
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Educational Opportunities: Children of homeowners are more likely to stay in school, perform better in school, and are more likely to go to college.
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Deeper Connections: Affordable housing helps families put down roots in their communities and build relationships with friends and neighbors.
Nursing Studies Give Context to Housing & Health
Healthier Communities
Studies show that housing and community impact well-being, influencing overall health and longevity. And when families have stability through affordable homeownership, they can put down roots in their community, making it a more vibrant place for everyone.
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Connection & Engagement: Homeowners are more likely to become involved in a neighborhood group, join a civic association, and vote in local elections. Homeowners also have larger social networks within their communities than renters.
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Cleaner Environment: Affordable housing can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution when conveniently located near employment centers and community hubs and amenities such as schools, parks, shopping and healthcare facilities.
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Diversity & Inclusivity: A common misconception is that affordable housing will lower property values, but studies have shown this is not true. Affordable housing can also help foster more diverse and culturally-rich communities where people of different backgrounds can afford to own a home.
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Economic Vitality: Affordable housing can help to attract skilled and talented workers, promote job creation and support local businesses and the local economy.
Healthier Businesses
Affordable housing is just as important to business owners and our economy as it is for individual families and communities. Local businesses need skilled employees, but high housing costs can make it difficult to recruit and maintain their workforce. The lack of affordable housing has already forced many companies — and their vitality — out of the Bay Area.
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Workforce Availability & Retention: Affordable housing can help contribute to a larger pool of potential employees, allowing businesses to more easily attract and retain talented workers.
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Healthier Employees: Affordable housing can contribute to a healthier workforce, reducing healthcare costs for employers as well as employees. It can also improve worker performance, attendance and safety.
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Reduced Commuting Time: Affordable housing located near businesses reduces the commuting time for employees, enhancing their work-life balance, productivity and well-being.
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Local Spending Power: When housing is affordable, residents have more disposable income to spend on local goods and services, benefiting local businesses and the economy.
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Economic Growth: The availability of affordable housing attracts businesses to the area, leading to job creation and overall economic prosperity.
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Workforce Diversity: Affordable housing promotes diversity by attracting people from different socio-economic backgrounds, leading to a more inclusive and culturally-rich workplace.
