Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Oct. 12, 2022
Where you live likely influences your health. This relates to both your postal code and the housing quality, or lack thereof, that define where you call home.
Housing is referred to as a social determinant of health and has been identified as a priority social determinant of health in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties (HPE). Social determinants of health are the interrelated social, political, and economic factors that create the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play.
A lack of affordable housing in the community can lead to poor health outcomes. These health outcomes can be related to both physical and mental well-being. Access to affordable and appropriate housing can have a positive impact on community health.
Nearly one in five (18%) adults who live in HPE pay more than 30% of their income towards housing. For renter households, this number is even higher at more than one in three (37%) renters. It is important that everyone have access to housing that is appropriately matched to income. Fewer people at the lower end of the income spectrum have access to housing that is affordable.
Over the coming weeks, HPEPH will be working in partnership with the City of Quinte West to share messages around housing as a priority action area for the Quinte West Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. When housing is safe and affordable the impact on health is generally positive and does not lead to health issues. This is not the case for many community members who spend large portions of their income on rent or mortgage, or those who have unsafe housing conditions.
When someone is not housed, it is almost impossible to improve their circumstances. Recovering from a mental illness, finding a job, and maintaining custody over your children is extremely difficult without housing.
HPEPH will be providing information on social media, our website, and participating in a community event, “In their shoes: an evening of discussion and education about homelessness/vulnerable residents” hosted by the Quinte West Community Task Force on October 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Gardens in Trenton.
HPEPH plans to work with partners to address housing issues in the community to improve overall health.
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For more information contact:
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
We invite community partners and residents to share this Media Release with their respective networks.
