Lack of affordable housing is the community challenge that survey respondents are most concerned about, according to the recently released 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment. Among survey respondents, 58.3 percent rated lack of affordable housing as the top concern, followed by 52.5 percent for drug and alcohol abuse.
Many studies have confirmed that access to affordable, quality housing is linked to improvements in general health, respiratory health, and mental health. Monthly average Medicaid costs for a person moving into affordable stable, decent housing fell by $50, according to one of the most recent studies.
Due to the close link between health and housing, the UVM Medical Center has joined VHFA and other housing agencies investing resources to expand housing opportunities in Vermont. UVM’s Medical Center’s recent efforts include helping to fund the development of Beacon Apartments which provides 19 supportive housing units to chronically homeless single adults.