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  1. Mind
  2. Health through housing equity

Health through housing equity

Features/Mind/Feature P5

Health through housing equity

Intent: 

To promote housing equity through the allocation of affordable housing units.

P5: Health through housing equity

    BACKGROUND

    The physical condition and location of a home has profound impacts on the health of its occupants, as well as on neighborhood-level measures of health. Accessibility to quality housing limits exposure to harmful toxins and the intrusion of disease vectors, and better enables safe drinking water, hot water for cleanliness, and proper food storage. The World Health Organization states that housing quality most affects the health of the poorest of our communities, encompassing millions of children and adults. Most directly, a lack of affordable housing can divert already constrained resources away from other fundamental healthcare expenditures, but housing affects health in myriad ways. A growing body of research shows that housing quality is associated with morbidity from both chronic and infectious diseases, physical injuries, and mental disorders. Creating safe and affordable housing can not only improve the health of specific individuals, but catalyze a movement towards healthier communities.

    Part 1
    Unit Allocation

    At least one of the following requirements are met:
    a.130
    20% or more units are designated for tenants whose incomes are at or below 50% of local Area Median Income (AMI) determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), adjusted for family size.
    b.130
    40% or more units are designated for tenants whose incomes are at or below 60% of local AMI determined by HUD, adjusted for family size.

    Part 2
    Housing Cost Limits

    The following requirement is met:
    a.130
    Monthly housing costs (including any utility allowances) paid by the tenant are in accordance with those set under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program based on Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code.

    Part 3
    Affordability Period

    The limits on monthly housing costs are honored for the time period that is greater out of the following options:
    a.130
    The minimum number of years outlined by the LIHTC Program.
    b.130
    The minimum number of years outlined by the state for LIHTC properties.