Evernorth’s Post

“Homes as health care” is exactly the type of out-of-the box thinking that can create a meaningful impact on California’s homelessness crisis. It illustrates how health and housing needs are closely intertwined and how the concept of “homes as health care” not only benefits the individual, but our society and economy as a whole. With this dual strategy, the state can drive down health care costs while simultaneously building healthier communities. This type of expansive problem-solving must be extended to include legal services as health care. Lawyers working with low-income individuals and families can help address other “social determinants of health,” such as deterring domestic violence, or ensuring access to public benefits and addressing wage theft, both of which hamper an individual’s ability to afford rent. The proof of concept is already in place; you can see the positive effects of Bet Tzedek’s Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) with Harbor UCLA, which pairs hospital staff with lawyers to address patient legal needs — from employment to housing to immigration — and promote their health. From July 2020 to present day, our partnership has opened more than 1,400 cases, making it consistently one of the highest-volume MLPs in the Medical-Legal Community Partnership (MLCP) program. We applaud the effort being made by California’s healthcare providers, developers and state officials. And the state’s legal aid sector looks forward to being a part of this venture. 

"We've seen a reduction in emergency visits by 74 per cent," said Wiseman of the first three months for people living in the building. "That extends itself because about 15 per cent of those emergency visits convert to inpatient admission." One of the hardest things to witness with the population that needs more complex care is seeing them cycle from homelessness to hospital and then released back to the street until the next emergency room visit or admission for care. Important model, especially considering the devestating effects of long term illicit drug use, and reduced cognitive function because of multiple overdoses and malnourishment because of extreme poverty. I would love to see more like this here in Kamloops BC. Subsidized “supportive” housing with supports. Folks who have been street entrenched need supports beyond housing first. It seems to be working well at this project which offers more density making the model more efficient and cost effective.

"...Health Care Financing Innovations. Section 1115 of the Social Security Act gives the secretary of health and human services the authority to approve state-specific pilot projects using Medicaid funds to pay for nonmedical interventions, including assistance with housing searches and subsidies for moving expenses, along with case management. "In January 2022, California received a renewal of its Medicaid Section 1115 and Section 1915(b) waiver programs, which it renamed California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). CalAIM expands on previously approved waivers to provide Medicaid reimbursement for case management, as well as community supports such as housing and meal services, in addition to physical, mental, and dental health care.⁵⁴ "Beginning in 2024, Oregon’s Section 1115 waiver will enable the use of Medicaid funds to subsidize short-term rental costs for people experiencing homelessness and other at-risk populations, such as those exiting foster care or incarceration.⁵⁵ "North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilots program, launched in 2022, provides Medicaid enrollees who have qualifying physical or behavioral health needs, as well as social needs such as homelessness, with enhanced case management and financial assistance.⁵⁶ "Arizona’s Housing and Health Opportunities program, which began in 2021, provides health-related services to Medicaid enrollees with severe mental illness or substance use disorders who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless.⁵⁷ "Evaluations are required for all Medicaid Section 1115 waiver programs, but no rigorous evaluations of these interventions have yet been published.⁵⁸..." (Source: https://lnkd.in/gFJWJsK4) #homelessness #affordablehousing #employment #nonmedicalinterventions

We’re proud to celebrate the official opening of 90 Dunn Avenue, Toronto’s first-of-its-kind Social Medicine Initiative implemented in a supportive housing project! 🏘️ In collaboration with, University Health Network, United Way Greater Toronto, and Fred Victor we’re able to open this four-storey building that will provide 51 new supportive homes for vulnerable residents, including people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Supportive housing provides a safe, stable place for people to live and in turn their physical, mental, and social well-being improves. By addressing housing needs and the social determinants of health, such as poverty, food insecurity, and isolation, residents will build brighter futures. Led by University Health Network, this model integrates healthcare with affordable housing, addressing the complex needs of tenants in a holistic, person-centered way. By combining health support with safe, permanent homes, we’re helping people move from emergency rooms and shelters to stability. While supportive housing costs an average of $2,500/month, costly emergency shelter stays can run up to $7,500/month and hospital stays up to $14,000/month. Providing permanent, supportive housing is a dignified and cost-effective solution that allows people to live independently and thrive in their communities. We want to thank our funding partners, the Government of Canada (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement(SCHL)) through the Rapid Housing Initiative and the Ontario Government (Ontario Government | Gouvernement de l’Ontario), for their support in making this project a reality. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gWYyrHyk

Some really important points here about the vital role of supported housing and the need to support this sector

Have you read the new Supported Housing Task and Finish Group Report? The report, published at the end of July, recognises that most people can build and live their lives in an ordinary home as part of an ordinary community, but that supported housing should be available for a very small proportion of the population who are unable or don't want to live in mainstream housing. This should be a settled housing option for as long as someone wants it, and therefore breaking the stigma of 'homeless' supported housing altogether. Key recommendations from the evidence-led review include: 📍 An ideal model of supported housing offering a self-contained home in a smaller-scale setting, with its own bathroom and cooking facilities, easy access to great support, some common space, and consistent quality standards. 📍 Maximising security of tenure for tenants plus fair funding arrangements to make sure no one is stuck in a life-limiting ‘benefit trap’ created by high rents. 📍 Moving to a joint funding and commissioning model between health and social care partnerships and local authorities, to break the ‘care group’ stigma attached to supported housing’s legacy as shared ‘homeless’ accommodation. You can read the full report and a summary report on the Homeless Network Scotland website: https://lnkd.in/eeNBaTU2

Housing is health!

It is vital that today’s budget delivers a plan to improve the building blocks of health and provides support for those who need it most through this winter and beyond. Here are recommendations for the government developed with our funded partners, who are experts by experience working at the front line to tackle health inequalities. 🟢 Funding to enforce decent housing standards. Ringfenced funding for local authority housing enforcement teams would help to ensure the decent homes standard is met. Private and social tenants’ health should not be put at risk because of where they live. 🟢 Reversing winter fuel payment changes or more support for disadvantaged older people. Older people face ‘impossible choices’ between heating and eating this winter and their health is already worsening as a result of changes to the winter fuel payment eligibility criteria. We want to see changes reversed or more support put in place for the most disadvantaged affected by them. 🟢 Ensuring Universal Credit payments keep pace with the cost of living Reducing the cap on UC deductions is an important step. But by ensuring those in receipt of payments can afford essentials like rent, food and heating, the government would lift over a million people out of poverty altogether 🟢 Support for charities. Without support towards the increase to national insurance contributions, voluntary and charity sector organisations will struggle to continue providing essential services. 🟢 Above all, this budget is an opportunity to put health at the centre of the government’s agenda. We call for all departments across Whitehall to be supported to consider health impacts Read more in our community manifesto. https://lnkd.in/dcqfEz9T

So, in case you’re wondering… What are the different types of social housing in the UK? 🤔 When you think of social housing, I’m guessing that council housing may be the first thing that comes to your mind? 🧠 But did you know there are actually multiple types of social housing across the UK? Each offers unique and strong investment opportunities for those looking to diversify their portfolios. 💼 🏠 Council Housing 🏠 Council housing, also known as local authority housing can be directly owned and managed by the government. Typically offered to families and individuals, these homes use a national formula to set rent rates, considering factors like property value, size, location, and tenant income to ensure affordability. 🏠 Housing Association Home 🏠 This form of social housing is managed by housing associations, which are registered social landlords dedicated to non-profit service. Every bit of income generated is reinvested into offering high-quality, affordable housing with secure, long-term leases for those who need it most. 🏠 Assisted Living 🏠 Assisted living, or supported housing, offers secure and supportive accommodations for those in need, including individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, specific health needs, or seniors. These residences often feature on-site healthcare services, along with trained staff and carers available to provide assistance as needed. 🏠 Temporary Social Housing 🏠 Temporary social housing serves as a critical, short-term solution for individuals and families facing urgent housing needs, like those at risk of homelessness. Unlike the extended tenancies typical of council or housing association homes, this type of housing offers immediate relief while longer-term accommodations are arranged. Want to learn more about our social housing opportunities? Drop me a DM or comment ‘SH’ below. 👇 #socialhousing #socialimpact #renttorent #passiveincome