Housing affects the health of children and youth. One-third of households in Canada live in substandard conditions or in housing needs. The present statement reviews the literature documenting the impacts of housing on personal health and the health care system. Types of housing needs are defined, including unsuitable or crowded housing, unaffordable housing, and inadequate housing, or housing in need of major repairs. The health effects of each type of housing need, as well as of unsafe neighborhoods, infestations and other environmental exposures are outlined. Pediatricians and other physicians caring for children need to understand the housing status of patients to fully determine their health issues and ability to access and engage in healthcare. Recommendations and sample tools to assess and address housing needs at the patient, family, community and policy levels are described.