Public health concerns were the original driver of government intervention in New York City’s housing stock. Historically, creating and enforcing housing quality standards focused on controlling the spread of infectious diseases and improving the health of residents in the city.
Residents, researchers, housing advocates and healthcare providers all agree that housing is a social determinant of health. Our current COVID-19 crisis only highlights the link in an even more profound way.
As medical interventions took precedence, modern housing policy shifted away from a focus on infectious diseases. Nonetheless, housing policy still plays a huge role in addressing chronic illnesses such as asthma, lead poisoning, and mental health. CHPC’s initial research for Rx for Housing focused on programs and policies that aim to remediate lead paint and mold and provide assistance to individual households in crisis. However, COVID-19 has shown us the need for housing policy interventions that will protect the health of the public at large.
Residents, researchers, housing advocates and healthcare providers all agree that housing is a social determinant of health. Our current COVID-19 crisis only highlights the link in an even more profound way.
A NEW LENS FOR NYC HOUSING PLAN
RX for Housing: Housing is Healthcare is part of A New Lens for NYC’s Housing Plan, CHPC’s research and education initiative to explore how New York City’s next housing plan could have a broader impact beyond counting units. The next housing plan provides an opportunity for communities and policymakers to widen the discussion, articulate new metrics, and develop a shared vision of housing policy for the city.