Housing and Health

Overview

Housing directly affects a person’s ability to access quality health care. Efforts to address homelessness and health-related social needs are ongoing and multifaceted. By recognizing the intersection of housing and health, communities can work towards providing comprehensive support and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations.

According to the National Health Care for Homelessness Council, persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) have higher rates of illness and experience mortality rates 3-4 times higher than the general population. PEH also are:

• 3-4x more likely to die prematurely
• 2x more likely to have a heart attack or stroke
• 3x more likely to die of heart disease if they are between 25 and 44 years old
• Experience an average life expectancy of 48 years

Facts & Data

Stable housing is essential for maintaining good health, but many Alaskans face challenges that connect health and housing. Injuries or illnesses can lead to job loss, making it harder to afford medical bills and living expenses.

• At least 25% of people experiencing homelessness have a serious mental illness.
• A majority of these individuals also deal with addiction.
• Drug, alcohol, injury, and mental health/psychiatric-related diagnoses are the most common reasons for Emergency Department visits for PEH.
• PEH often have limited access to preventive and primary care, leading to delayed diagnosis, untreated medical conditions, worsening of preexisting illnesses, a higher risk of spreading infectious diseases, and difficulty with follow-up care or consistently taking their medication due to frequent moves and lack of a stable address.
• PEH face high rates of mortality, unintentional injuries, chronic pain, malnutrition, dental problems, wounds and skin infections, lung diseases, mental health issues, chronic conditions, and barriers to sexual and reproductive care. They also experience higher rates of infectious diseases, such as TB, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Resources