No Place like Home

Prioritizing Psychosocial Factors in Housing Research and Policy

Abstract

Although the United States of America is among the wealthiest nations in the world, millions of people across the country face housing insecurity. Racially marginalized populations are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity due to historical and contemporary housing policies and practices such as redlining, racial covenants, predatory banking practices, higher loan denials, and lower home appraisal values that have generally inhibited racial minority communities’ full and fair participation in the U.S. housing system. As a central determinant of health that is directly linked to other important determinants, such as the ability to maintain employment and to access food, transportation, and healthcare, housing stability plays an essential role in the health and wellbeing of racially marginalized populations. Health-promoting, evidence-informed housing policies and practice are needed to address housing inequities that fuel racial health disparities. This commentary highlights safe, affordable housing as a key determinant of health and argues for the prioritization of psychosocial elements of housing in health-promoting housing policies and practice.