HOUSING & HEALTH
Attainable Housing: A Pathway to Healthier Communities |
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Photo: NeghborWorks® Boise Pocket Neighborhood™, 40th Street Cottages |
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Housing is more than just a place to live; it's a cornerstone of health and well-being. The connection between health and housing is well-documented, with safe and affordable housing being fundamental to healthy individuals and communities. But what exactly is affordable housing? According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, affordable housing is when households spend less than 30% of their income on housing. In Idaho, this is becoming a growing challenge as wages have not kept up with the rapidly rising housing prices.
Studies have shown that safe, stable, and affordable housing is directly linked to better health outcomes. Poor housing conditions, such as exposure to mold, lead, or inadequate heating, can lead to chronic health problems like asthma, lead poisoning, and other respiratory conditions. Additionally, the stress of unstable housing or the financial burden of high rent can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
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Photo: NeghborWorks® Boise apartment community, Davis Park Apartments. |
Affordable housing also influences health by enabling families to allocate more resources to other essential needs. When a disproportionate amount of income is spent on housing, families may have to cut back on healthcare, nutritious food, and other necessities. Conversely, affordable housing frees up resources that can be used for preventative care, healthier food options, and other activities that promote well-being. Living in neighborhoods with easy access to quality healthcare, education, public transportation, and green spaces supports healthier lifestyles and better health outcomes. Conversely, neighborhoods that lack these resources often have higher rates of health problems and shorter life expectancy.
NeighborWorks® Boise (NWB) recently participated in the Idaho Health Priorities Conference. We led a breakout session on HomeShare Hub™ and its health benefits for participants. Some potential benefits of home sharing are affordability and financial security, companionship to combat social isolation, and the ability for some to age in place with the added security of having someone else in the home. In addition, participants share lasting friendships, cultural exchange, an expanded worldview, and service exchange for reduced or free rent as benefits of home sharing.
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Photo: NWB HomeShare Hub™ coordinator and BSU grad assistant from the School of Public Health, Jessica Buster, presenting about HomeShare Hub at Idaho's Health Priorities Conference, May 2024.
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Inga Hadder has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer for NeighborWorks® Boise (NWB). Inga has served as the Director of Communication and Community Engagement at NWB for the last four years. During this time, she has worked to develop partnerships and engage volunteers, including those participating in NWB’s community revitalization events Paint The Town™ and Rake Up Boise™; she has also helped to enhance the organization's visibility in the community and expand housing solutions in the Treasure Valley. Inga is thankful to have joined the NWB team as she gets to bring her experience, skills, and values together to serve her community. Her new role as Chief Operating Officer will include engaging with NWB’s board of directors and committees to bring consistency to all organizational conversations – creating a more successful continuum of programs; connecting with new stakeholders; as well as helping NWB’s human resources and accounting departments in both the hiring and financial aspects of the organization. Inga is excited to step into her new position and looks forward to empowering her team to provide affordable housing opportunities to more Idahoans.
Inga graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Communication. Working and traveling internationally after college shaped her worldview and desire to create inclusive and equitable spaces. Inga has diverse nonprofit experience, with a dedicated focus on leadership development, community engagement, and communication. Her journey in the nonprofit sector has been driven by a commitment to uplifting underserved communities and fostering positive change. In addition, Inga is a proud mother of two and an adventure seeker on the side. She loves hiking in the foothills, exploring Idaho, and spontaneous road trips.
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Still want to support Paint The Town™? It's not too late! We are still collecting donations for 2024 Paint The Town™.
The prize drawing will be on June 17. For every $20, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of the prizes listed below. Thank you to the community partners who donated these awesome prizes! |
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| Luxury Spa Experience, Property People, Value: $1,400 BBQ grill, Intermountain Gas, Value: $600 Gourmet wine basket, Rodger Erstad, Value: $400
Wellness basket, Foothills Physical Therapy, Value: $430+ - Bardenay gift card, $50 & Black Moon gift card, $20
- 2 starter climbing pages, The Commons
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2 Roaring Springs day passes
- Topgolf package
- 4 Boise Hawks tickets
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Our Mission: To lead in creating innovative housing solutions for underserved populations through strategic partnerships that contribute to building stronger communities. |
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