Housing First: an in-depth look at the Fair Chance at Housing Legislation and the effects of subsidized housing on health

Homelessness is a constant problem the United States is facing despite various efforts to address the root causes of the issue. One of these efforts is subsidized housing programs. Across the nation, federal dollars are being used to provide homes for those who were once homeless and who may suffer from various health issues. Across these programs, one theme reigns supreme, the idea that having a stable home improves the health of those living in it. Studies investigating improvement in health show that those suffering from HIV, mental illnesses, drug usage, poor nutrition and single parenthood were all able to achieve stability and focus on their health. This health focus would not have been possible without the presence of a stable housing. Public health professionals have the opportunity to address relevant issues such as social determinants of health by creating more subsidized housing opportunities and helping to get to the root cause of homelessness. The Fair Chance at Housing Act has the goal to reduce barriers to entry into subsidized housing programs across the nation and to give more chances at a fresh start to those once barred from entry into federal programs, such as subsidized housing, due to either a criminal record or current drug or alcohol usage. The Fair Chance at Housing Act has yet to be passed into law; passage will depend on the current political climate. Despite several downsides to the policy, the positive aspects outweigh the negative and if this policy is made into law, many more citizens in this country will have a chance at a roof over their heads that they can call theirs. Lack of housing is a public health issue because it restricts individuals’ opportunities to access various health services available to them. When struggling to find the next roof to sleep under, many aspects of health are not made a priority.