We are seeing these results. National data shows when health services are combined with housing for the very vulnerable, there are fewer ED visits and EMS calls; reductions in abuse and neglect; better management of chronic senior health conditions; healthier children and even increases in employment and less time incarcerated. In 2016, the Providence Center for Outcomes Research and Education found health care costs 12 percent lower after individuals moved into affordable housing; study subjects were 20 percent more likely to see their primary care physician and 18 percent were less likely to visit the ED. Similarly, through its FUSE program moving people into supportive housing, CSH documented dramatic reductions in shelter days (91%); psychiatric inpatient days (50% fewer); and ambulance, ER, hospitalization, arrests and jail days (60-80%). The power of reliable, stable affordable housing is obviously transformative. NHPF is currently improving the health of our residents in two ways. First, Operation Pathways, its Resident Services program has been selected as the first Certified Organization for Resident Engagement & Services (CORES) by the Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF). CORES Certification recognizes organizations that have “developed a robust commitment, capacity, and competency in providing resident services coordination in affordable rental housing.” Resident health is an important component of those services. CORES Certification is one requirement (among others) in order for an owner of multifamily affordable housing to qualify for Fannie Mae™ Healthy Housing Rewards—Enhanced Resident Services™ financing incentives. Second, NHPF is working with social service providers at our properties in St. Louis and Houston, matching available housing with chronically homeless who need it after a medical stay. We hope to expand this work throughout our geographic footprint of 15 states and the District of Columbia. What an affordable housing reboot looks like It starts with our industry’s ability to match housing and services with a person’s holistic needs, while maximizing creative funding sources to finance these moves. To get to some concrete answers on how we can effectively and affordably do that today and for decades to come, the NHPF 2018 Symposium convened a panel of experts with deep experience in community medicine, health insurance, policy, affordable housing development and city government for a comprehensive discussion about the urgent need for a “prescription for housing.” The panel explored a variety of strategies including a collaborative funding model of privatized housing vouchers to open doors to existing rental units. The following insights were gleaned from the panel discussion moderated by Dr. Tiffany Manuel, Vice President, Knowledge, Impact & Strategy, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc ., and put forth here to help direct the affordable housing industry and encourage partners to join the effort which is all about collaboration.
It starts with our industry’s ability to match
housing and services with a person’s holistic needs, while maximizing creative funding sources to finance these moves.
Making the Reboot a Reality Redefining Who Affordable Housing Helps
The panel cited how each day more and more Americans enter the affordable housing market—from the Baby Boomer who under-planned for retirement to the chronic substance user trying to find his or her footing. Typically, housing providers plan for residents who can pass stringent standards for employment, criminal background checks,
An Affordable Housing Reboot Will Improve Community Health
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