Housing is one of the most important social determinants of health (https://www.rwjf.org/content/dam/farm/reports/issue_briefs/2011/rwjf70451) for young children and their families. As part of our mission to advance health equity, Healthy & Active Before 5 hopes to serve as a link between local housing advocates and the broader network of service providers, non-profits, and community members who are part of our Leadership Council. Together, we are working towards solutions that will ensure that all families have a safe and affordable place to call home.
Many early childhood service providers work with families struggling to stay housed on a daily basis, but may not know how to advise them or what resources are available. We recommend using the 211 database or calling them directly for the most up-to-date information. For those looking for a handout or list of resources, we keep this spreadsheet updated with services available to families with young children in Contra Costa.
And, of course, we know there are not enough services to meet the current needs in our community. We encourage our partners to advocate for housing security policies so that families aren’t faced with these challenges in the first place.
For more background, research, and resources regarding young children and housing security, Read More below.
If you are interested in learning more about the relationship between housing and health, check out some of these reports and other resources:
BARHII: Housing Stability and Family Health: An Issue Brief
The Housing Crisis Hits Home in Concord
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Health and Housing
Urban Displacement Report: Rising Housing Costs and Re-Segregation in Contra Costa CountyÂ
Here are some of the organizations who are leading the housing fight and providing vital services in our region. We encourage you to sign up for updates!
Raise the Roof Coalition (Concord)
East Bay Housing Organizations
Contra Costa Health, Housing, and Homeless Services
Our May 2018 Leadership Council convening focused on challenges and opportunities for housing families in Contra Costa. Presentation materials from our fabulous speakers can be downloaded below by clicking on the link/title:
BARHII: Housing, Health, and Young Children
Ensuring Opportunity: Housing for Everyone! Building Momentum for Local Solutions
La Clinica: Assessing housing as a social determinant of health – PRAPARE survey
Contra Costa Interfaith Housing: The impact of housing instability on families with young children
If you would like HAB45 to provide more specific resources or conduct a staff training, please let us know. Here’s the link to contact us!
We will continue to keep our Leadership Council informed about opportunities to take action on this critical issue. If you’re not already on the list, join us!
Click here for the link to sign up for our email newsletter!Â