Housing, Poverty, and Health Outcomes

Poverty and homelessness have significant impacts on the health outcomes of individuals and communities. Lack of safe, healthy, affordable housing in Sussex County requires attention and action to move the needle on the health of our impoverished and housing insecure populations. Health concerns descend on the scale of importance when an individual’s housing and financial circumstances are unstable. Employment opportunities exist, however, housing costs in the area are prohibitive resulting in negative impacts on an individual’s potential for social mobility as well as on local businesses and organizations seeking employees. Social determinants of health are indicated as prominent factors affecting health outcomes, even more so than access to and the delivery of healthcare. Findings from several reports highlight the correlation between financial insecurity, housing insecurity, and health. Innovative and collaborative solutions are necessary to create and hardwire health equity, housing stability, and social mobility within our county and state.