Housing Instability: Closer to Home Than You Think

Housing instability isn’t just a low-income issue or something only older adults face—it’s a far bigger, more complex problem than most people realize. Sure, these groups are deeply affected, but the reality is that housing instability touches people across all walks of life, creating a ripple effect on their physical, mental, and emotional health.

If we want to make a real dent in this crisis, we have to get smarter about the problem. That means understanding the many ways housing instability shows up in people’s lives and the health challenges it creates. Only then can we create meaningful solutions that not only improve people’s well-being but also reduce the financial and systemic pressures on healthcare and society.

What Housing Instability Really Looks Like

Let’s start with what housing instability really means. It’s not just about homelessness or eviction—it’s a spectrum. It could look like a family struggling to cover rent, a young professional bouncing between temporary apartments because rent is sky-high, or seniors staying in unsafe homes because they can’t afford better options.

We’ve seen it firsthand in the members we help every day:

• A stroke survivor with limited mobility, unable to find a home that meets her needs.
• An older adult forced to rent an unsafe room plagued with pests because it’s all they can afford.
• A woman who lost her housing voucher benefits after conflicts with her former “caregiver.”
• A member facing rent hikes that make mobility issues even harder to manage.

And the consequences? They’re everywhere. Poor living conditions can lead to asthma, injuries, and other health risks. The stress of housing uncertainty? It drives anxiety, depression, and even chronic stress disorders. And don’t forget the financial toll—frequent moves, unexpected costs, and unstable housing wreak havoc on family budgets, education, and community ties.

The Missing Link

The first step to fixing this? Understanding the problem from all angles. It’s not just about affordability. Neighborhood safety, proximity to schools, access to healthcare—these all matter too. Housing isn’t just a roof over your head. It’s a foundation for health, stability, and opportunity.

If policymakers and healthcare leaders can spot housing instability early and address its root causes, we could prevent so many avoidable health crises. Not only does that mean fewer people suffering—it also means a lighter load on our already overburdened healthcare system. Everyone wins.

Who’s Struggling with Housing Instability??

1. Young Adults in Urban Centers Think of early-career professionals in their 20s and 30s. On paper, they’re doing fine—they have jobs, they’re working hard. But between student debt, gig work, and sky-high rents, they’re constantly moving to find something affordable. This instability disrupts their mental health, social ties, and even their access to consistent healthcare.
2. Middle-Class Families Thrown Off Balance Picture a dual-income family dealing with a sudden layoff or navigating the financial fallout of a divorce or separation. They might not be who you picture when you think "housing insecure," but they are. Emergency savings and one income often aren’t enough to cover the rising costs of housing, leaving families scrambling to find temporary solutions. The fallout? Stress, health issues, and disrupted schooling for their kids.
3. Seniors “Aging in Place” Without the Right Support Many older adults want to stay in their homes, but rising costs and aging infrastructure make it tough. They end up in houses that are unsafe or don’t meet their health needs. The result? Increased falls, heat-related illnesses, and greater reliance on emergency care.
4. Single Parents Holding It All Together For single parents, managing housing can feel like an impossible balancing act. Between limited income, rising rents, and childcare costs, finding safe and stable housing often comes at the expense of other essentials. The result? A constant cycle of financial strain, frequent moves, and emotional stress—for both parents and their children.
5. People with Disabilities in Search of Accessibility Accessible housing options are few and far between. People with disabilities often face challenges finding homes that meet their physical needs—whether it’s wheelchair access or proximity to care providers. For many, the lack of options leads to unsafe or inadequate living situations, further impacting their health and independence.

The Path to Stability Starts Here

Here’s the bottom line: housing instability is everywhere, and it’s not just a housing problem—it’s a public health crisis. It impacts health outcomes, drives up healthcare costs, and creates instability across entire communities.

Yes, building more housing is important. But that’s a slow process, and people need solutions now. We can get there faster by thinking outside the box—integrating housing and healthcare, stabilizing rents, and connecting vulnerable people to existing homes.

Ignoring housing instability isn’t just costly—it’s dangerous. But if we address the root causes, we can improve health, strengthen communities, and reduce the burdens on our systems. Stable housing isn’t just a goal—it’s the foundation for a healthier, more equitable society. Let’s act now.