Full Breakdown
Exploring the Impact of Federal Housing Assistance on Health Outcomes
11/9/2025, 8:59:28 PM
Overview of the Research Initiative
Drexel University researchers, led by Lindsay Shea, DRPH, have initiated a study funded by a $3.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Nursing Research. The research aims to investigate how federal housing assistance programs from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) influence access to medical services and treatments for adults managing chronic health conditions. This study is particularly relevant given the increasing number of Americans living with chronic health issues, which costs the healthcare system approximately $1.1 trillion annually.
Significance of Housing Stability
Stable housing is linked to improved physical and mental health outcomes. The research team highlights that nearly three out of four adults in permanent supportive housing experience mental health or substance use disorders, while over a quarter of HUD assistance recipients are classified as obese. The study seeks to quantify how housing stability affects healthcare access, particularly for the approximately 150 million Americans with chronic health conditions and the one million disabled adults living in HUD-assisted households.
Methodology and Data Sources
The research will utilize national Medicaid medical claims data from 2016 to 2023, combined with HUD data, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of healthcare access and treatment utilization for chronic conditions such as asthma, coronary heart disease, depression, and diabetes among adults aged 21-64 who have recently gained HUD assistance. Additionally, the project will incorporate qualitative data from focus groups with housing organizations and interviews with policymakers and advocates to gain insights into the relationship between housing and health.
Implications for Policy and Practice
The findings from this research are expected to inform policies that enhance health and safety for millions reliant on HUD assistance. Shea emphasizes the necessity of understanding how housing assistance impacts healthcare access to maximize health outcomes. The study aims to identify barriers that prevent individuals from receiving necessary care, which can lead to a cycle of poor health and housing instability.
Criticism and Opposition
While the study aims to provide valuable insights, some critics argue that the focus on quantitative data may overlook the nuanced experiences of individuals affected by housing instability. There are concerns that the research may not fully capture the complexities of how housing conditions interact with various social determinants of health.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We know that HUD serves a critical, sometimes life-saving role in filling housing gaps for people across the United States,” — Lindsay Shea, DRPH, Associate Professor, Dornsife School of Public Health
- “Individuals facing housing instability often delay or forgo health and mental health care —including necessary prescriptions — due to cost, contributing to poorer outcomes and exacerbation of chronic health conditions,” — Lindsay Shea, DRPH
What's Next
The research team plans to publish their findings and recommendations, which could lead to data-driven policies aimed at improving health outcomes for those receiving HUD assistance. The study's outcomes may also influence future funding allocations and program designs within HUD to better address the health needs of vulnerable populations.
