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HOW MIGHT WE IMPROVE THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF THOSE EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSECURITY?

Becoming unhoused is not just a housing issue, but a health issue. People living on the streets have an average life expectancy that is 17.5 years shorter (source) than the general population. In California alone, 42% of unhoused individuals report having a disabling condition, whether physical or mental (source). Not only does unstable housing take years away from one’s life, but it’s also a hard way to live—especially when dealing with additional health issues. Innovative solutions– such as mobile health vans and Narcan vending machines for overdoses– have helped target specific problems around health and homelessness, but more work needs to be done.

What might we design to make the daily grind easier and healthier for people living in unhoused situations?

Check out a more specific breakdown of the problem and example solutions below: