Health and health problems result from a complex interplay of a number of forces. The most important forces that impact population health — the health outcomes of a group of individuals — are the social and economic environments, in which we live, learn, work, and play. We refer to these factors collectively as the “social determinants of health.” This report, the second in a Department of Public Health series on the social determinants, follows our introductory release, “How Social and Economic Factors Affect Health.” Characteristics of healthy and safe home environments include access to clean air and water; efficient transportation, including safe, walkable neighborhoods; affordable, healthy foods; violence-free places to be physically active; and affordable, secure, quality housing. Unfortunately, while tradition holds that home is a haven, where people are protected and nurtured, for many home is a health hazard where factors such as poverty, environmental contamination, and poor design combine to cause or exacerbate disease. A lack of affordable, stable, and quality housing affects health in multiple ways.

Housing affordability, stability, and quality are essential for health and well-being. Indeed, because housing is fundamental to maintaining an adequate standard of living, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights codifies housing as a human right? In the absence of affordable, secure, quality housing, social inequities and health disparities are exacerbated. As part of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s commitment to achieving health equity among County residents, we present this report as an introduction to the issue of housing in Los Angeles County from the public health perspective, providing a framework from which to advance our collective efforts to address this critical public health issue.