Collaboratively Integrating Resident Voice and Health Promotion through Health Action Plans in Affordable Housing Preservation

Abstract

Background: In 2021, a public health institute partnered with an affordable housing developer to develop a Health Action Plan (HAP) for three affordable housing preservation projects in East Bay California. HAPs provide a way for developers to systematically integrate health perspectives into building design and programming decisions based on the most important needs of residents, as identified through data analysis and community engagement.

Methods: Community engagement is the most critical step in the multi-step HAP process. Engagement included virtual focus groups with residents across 82 units, and a survey developed by an affordable housing non-profit.

Results: The impact of these HAPs not only includes the strategies selected, but the critical relationships developed between the different sectors and residents. The multi-sectoral relationships and the promotion of public health can be considered a Health in All Policies approach because the HAP integrates health considerations of community members into decision-making across sectors. Furthermore, HAPs contribute to equitable housing because they provide a space for residents to share their health concerns, and collaboratively design the property in response.

Conclusion: Key outputs from the HAPs are a safer, more connected community for residents, increased resident satisfaction, and improved relationships between the developer, residents, and public health partners. The key to achieving these outcomes includes housing developers developing a deeper understanding of the connection between their work in affordable housing and what they can do to improve resident health. Moreover, HAPs provides a significant opportunity for residents to attain full health potential by considering their wants and needs and empowering them to make their own decisions about what can be done to improve their health. When residents feel they are in control of their health, they are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to be contributing members of society.

Keywords

Affordable housing, social determinants, health promotion, stakeholder engagement

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Collaboratively Integrating Resident Voice and Health Promotion through Health Action Plans in Affordable Housing Preservation

Background: In 2021, a public health institute partnered with an affordable housing developer to develop a Health Action Plan (HAP) for three affordable housing preservation projects in East Bay California. HAPs provide a way for developers to systematically integrate health perspectives into building design and programming decisions based on the most important needs of residents, as identified through data analysis and community engagement.

Methods: Community engagement is the most critical step in the multi-step HAP process. Engagement included virtual focus groups with residents across 82 units, and a survey developed by an affordable housing non-profit.

Results: The impact of these HAPs not only includes the strategies selected, but the critical relationships developed between the different sectors and residents. The multi-sectoral relationships and the promotion of public health can be considered a Health in All Policies approach because the HAP integrates health considerations of community members into decision-making across sectors. Furthermore, HAPs contribute to equitable housing because they provide a space for residents to share their health concerns, and collaboratively design the property in response.

Conclusion: Key outputs from the HAPs are a safer, more connected community for residents, increased resident satisfaction, and improved relationships between the developer, residents, and public health partners. The key to achieving these outcomes includes housing developers developing a deeper understanding of the connection between their work in affordable housing and what they can do to improve resident health. Moreover, HAPs provides a significant opportunity for residents to attain full health potential by considering their wants and needs and empowering them to make their own decisions about what can be done to improve their health. When residents feel they are in control of their health, they are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to be contributing members of society.