Safe and affordable housing can act as an upstream “prescription” for medical ailments. North Carolina is presently positioned to engage and develop upstream policy and program solutions to tackle health issues that are exacerbated by substandard and unhealthy housing. By investing in affordable housing and supportive services, health systems can leverage financial resources to improve housing stability. For the individual or family facing eviction, homelessness, or trying to address substandard conditions with an uncooperative landlord, the prospect of leaving can be quite traumatic - especially when there are few options to where to live next. This symposium will address the link between housing and health and invite participants and panelists to consider the ways we can build healthier communities through better housing.
Rep. Ashton Clemmons, North Carolina General Assembly 57th House district.