Housing
Improving access to housing opportunities has potential to narrow wealth disparities between different communities in the U.S.
The impact of past housing policies continues to shape communities today, and addressing these long-standing issues is vital for creating a more equitable future. Mobilizing public awareness and political support to develop and implement solutions is essential for correcting the effects of unjust housing policies that still affect families.
Many neighborhoods that historically experienced discriminatory housing practices continue to face economic challenges and a lack of investment. Stable and affordable housing provides numerous benefits beyond a comfortable home. Children in unstable housing situations are more likely to experience health issues, both mental and physical, compared to children with stable housing.
Research indicates that frequent moves can negatively impact children’s health. Children who experience multiple moves in a single year are statistically more likely to develop chronic health issues and experience poor physical health (Cutts 2011). Additionally, studies have found that a significant number of homeless youth struggle with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, substance abuse, and mental health challenges (Schanzer 2011).
While there may be a perception that all children have equal opportunities today, the effects of past institutional inequalities continue to have generational impacts. Children often learn behaviors by observing the actions of those around them. Housing instability can create significant stress, which may contribute to chronic anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, ultimately affecting the entire family. Chronic stress is known to cause a range of negative effects, including lethargy, poor appetite, weakened self-control, and withdrawal (Yale Medicine).
When children witness adults in their lives struggling with chronic depression, financial instability, or poor social skills, it can be more challenging for them to overcome similar issues due to a lack of overall stability. This can result in lower education rates, higher poverty rates, and increased risk of homelessness. Safe and reliable housing directly supports individuals in remaining focused and motivated toward their goals and aspirations.
It’s often said that all children have equal opportunities today, but the reality is that the effects of past systemic inequalities continue to have generational impacts on communities. Children learn many behaviors by observing their surroundings, and unstable environments can create significant challenges.
Unstable housing can cause stress, which may contribute to anxiety, depression, and other difficulties that affect the entire family. When families face significant financial struggles and the worry of losing their home, stress can become a common experience. Chronic stress is associated with various negative effects, including fatigue, changes in appetite, weakened self-control, and withdrawal (Yale Medicine).
Children who witness adults in their lives struggling with these challenges may find it more difficult to overcome similar issues due to a lack of overall stability. This can contribute to lower educational attainment, increased poverty rates, and a higher risk of homelessness. Secure and reliable housing plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to focus on their goals and aspirations.
Shaya Partners works to promote equitable housing opportunities for all, collaborating with contractors, foundations, and banks to address disparities in homeownership and build stronger communities.
Shaya Partners focuses on fostering economic opportunity and community revitalization through strategic investments in housing initiatives.Our approach includes:
- Supporting Sustainable Businesses: Developing plans to invest in businesses that contribute to affordable homeownership and housing opportunities within underserved communities.
- Promoting Community Reinvestment: Collaborating with banks and financial institutions on reinvestment strategies and tax incentives that target historically under-resourced areas, ensuring these investments benefit existing residents and businesses without displacement.
- Empowering Local Leaders: Working with foundations and banks to identify and support community developers and non-profit organizations that are actively involved in creating affordable housing solutions.
- Replicating Successful Models: Expanding our existing affordable housing program, Youthbuild, which has already created affordable housing units for low-income families. We are seeking partnerships to replicate this program nationwide.