A Systematic Review of Health Impact Assessments on Housing Decisions and Guidance for Future Practice

“Every day, decision-makers in the housing sector have the chance to consider health in their policies, programs, and projects to help mitigate pressing public health problems that take a massive toll on Americans’ quality of life and substantially increase health care costs for taxpayers. Understanding how to integrate public health considerations into housing decisions can positively impact the health of residents and ensure strong financial stewardship of public funds. This report begins by describing the connections between housing and health and then provides a systematic review of housing decisions that have been the subject of past HIAs. Next it provides guidance for conducting future housing HIAs. Finally, it provides a tutorial on the major housing programs as a means of helping public health professionals understand the links between housing programs and public health.”