The direct effects of poor quality or unsafe housing on health are well established; researchers have also increasingly turned significant attention to the role of housing affordability in fostering stability and reducing stress. In her brief, The Impacts of Affordable Housing on Health: A Research Summary, Cohen details the results of research on the pathways through which affordable housing can affect the health of residents, especially children.

Key Findings- The availability of high-quality affordable homes enables families to spend a greater share of household income on nutritious food, healthcare expenditures, and other essentials that promote good health. - Affordable housing allows families to achieve greater residential stability, reducing the stress and disruptions associated with frequent or unwanted moves and providing a platform for individuals with chronic illnesses and other conditions to receive needed care.- By providing families with access to high quality homes in safe neighborhoods, certain affordable housing strategies can reduce stress and exposure to violent or traumatic events, generating important psychological and mental health benefits.