II. Executive Summary
!e Expert View of Healthy Housing
#e following points comprise the content that experts on healthy housing wish to communicate to
members of the public. Together, these points represent the "untranslated story" of healthy housing.
What Is Healthy Housing?
Experts de"ne health broadly, to include physical health, mental health, community health, and well-being
generally. In turn, the expert understanding of healthy housing is multidimensional, referring to housing
that is safe, stable, affordable, and free of toxins. Experts emphasize that healthy housing is not just about
individual homes, but includes the broader community context within which homes are situated.
What Are the Problems with Housing?
Experts highlight lack of affordable housing as a major problem that undermines health and well-being. In
addition, the housing market creates problems for health, as the market undervalues health-related
improvements and leaves many people unable to afford healthy housing. Experts note that undocumented
immigrants are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy housing conditions and stress how racial and
economic segregation undermine well-being.
How Does Housing Affect Health?
Experts explain that housing is a core determinant of health. #e characteristics of both homes and
neighborhoods in$uence physical health, mental health, community life, social engagement, stress,
satisfaction, happiness, and self-esteem. #e presence or absence of toxins, the affordability of housing,
and community infrastructure all play a critical role in shaping health outcomes.
How Should Housing Be Improved?
Just as experts emphasize the range of ways in which housing affects health, experts highlight a variety of
ways in which housing can be improved to better support health and well-being. Experts emphasize the
importance of preventing health problems before they start, of improving the built environment, of
enhancing affordability, and of integrating healthcare and housing.
!e Public View of Healthy Housing
#e American public draws on a complex set of cultural models to make sense of housing generally and
healthy housing in particular, including the following understandings and ways of thinking:
"A House, a Tent, a Box": Mapping the Gaps Between Expert and Public Understanding of Healthy Housing 5
