Access To Housing Research Articles

Involving Members of the Public to Develop a Data Collection App for a Citizen Science Project on Housing Accessibility Targeting Older Adults

Background: While citizen science approaches are emerging within both social and health sciences, projects aimed at improving the living conditions of older adults remain rare. To enable forward-looking housing provision for the ageing population, valid and detailed information is needed on environmental barriers in the housing stock. Moreover, to promote active ageing and avoid involuntary moves to residential care facilities, there is a need for both increased public knowledge and raised awareness about accessible housing among older adults. Thus, Swedish senior citizens were engaged in a citizen science project—the Housing Experiment 2021—using a smartphone application to report environmental barriers in dwellings. Aim: This paper describes in detail the process by which varied members of the public participated to develop an application that assured reliable data collection of environmental barriers by older adults. Methods and Results: The scientific foundation for the app was the Housing Enabler. The development process comprised six iterative phases including participatory activities, namely, developing a citizen science version of the Housing Enabler; developing a print mock-up; developing an app prototype; testing and improving usability; beta version testing for reliability; final tests; and finishing touches. Discussion: Through an iterative development process involving researchers, professionals, and members of the public, a reliable app suitable for senior citizens was created. The results can serve as an inspiration for development protocols increasing the involvement of older adults in app development as well as for citizen science projects targeting older adults.

Аналіз соціально-економічних показників розвитку України у вимірах інклюзії

Inclusive development of the national economy covers all population groups in economic development, ensuring their rights and opportunities and equal access to resources and services, including labor, education, health care, and social protection. It also includes providing sustainable sources of income for all population groups and reducing social inequality. Inclusive development of the national economy contributes to the country's sustainable development, increasing resource use efficiency and competitiveness in the international market. The article aims to analyze the socio-economic indicators of Ukraine's development regarding inclusion. The results. It was determined that inclusive development is assessed using a complex system of indicators that cover various aspects of the economy and society: income and employment; accessibility and quality of education and health care for different social groups; the level of unemployment, exclusion from the labor market and social isolation; availability and quality of housing and infrastructure for other social groups; level of inequality and lack of discrimination based on gender, race, ethnic origin, age, disability, etc.; innovative development and support of small and medium-sized businesses, contributing to the creation of jobs and reducing inequality in income distribution, etc. The analysis showed that the population of Ukraine decreased by 0.7 million during the last two years. It was determined that the decrease in population is due primarily to natural movement, that is, the number of deaths, which significantly exceeds the number of births. In addition, the decrease in population occurs mainly in rural areas. It was emphasized that there is a migration movement in Ukraine. It was determined that in 2020, the number of arrivals amounted to 576,000 people, which was higher than the number of departures - 554,500 people. However, in 2021, there was a decrease in the number of arrivals to 435,300 people and the number of releases to 426,000 people, which caused a reduction in migration growth to 9,300 people. However, in 2022, the number of arrivals increased again to 476.9 thousand people, which led to an increase in migration growth to 21.3 thousand people. It has been proven that the population is an integral part of the inclusive development of Ukraine and an essential factor in its success. Keywords: inclusive development, socio-economic indicators, demographic processes, migration, development of Ukraine.

Trapped in housing insecurity: Socioecological barriers to housing access experienced by intimate partner violence survivors from marginalized communities.

Homelessness and intimate partner violence (IPV)do not impact all communities equally. Survivors from marginalized communities-that is communities that have been historically and structurally excluded from social, economic, and political resources-face additional challenges weathering IPV and housing crises. Understanding the housing experiences of marginalized survivors is necessary to achieve housing equity for all survivors. Community-based participatory research methods were utilized to convene 14 listening sessions (7 primary/7 validation) with Black and Latinx IPV survivors with intersectional identities (n = 92). Listening sessions were held in community-based locations including a church, health clinic, social service agency, and private residence. The last five validation sessions were conducted virtually on Zoom due to COVID pandemic protocols. All listening sessions were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Latinx population listening sessions were conducted in Spanish and were implemented and translated with attention to linguistic justice principles. The research team used a modified constructivist grounded theory approach for data analysis.Four overarching themes (and seven subthemes) related to survivors' housing experiences emerged: (1) safety and healing challenges, including living in unhealthy physical environments, not being safe in their homes, and contending with community violence, sexual exploitation threats, and eviction fears; (2) formal service fragmentation/bureaucracy that hampered access to housing resource information and resources; (3) resource scarcity associated with limited affordable housing stock; and (4) systemic oppression resulting from discriminatory treatment and gentrification. Comprehensive multileveled approaches are needed to disrupt the cycle of housing insecurity for IPV survivors from marginalized communities.

The Challenges in Providing Adequate Housing for Migrant Workers in Terengganu, Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the popular destinations of migrant workers in Southeast Asia country. Despite these migrant workers contributing greatly to the economy, they often face challenges in obtaining adequate housing which can be harmful to their health and safety. In Malaysia, migrant workers often live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, which can increase their risk of infectious diseases. Although the Malaysian Government has enforced Act 446, there are still many employers who disobey and ignore the act. Migrant workers are still seen living in overcrowded and unhygienic housing around Terengganu. This article aims to identify the challenges in providing adequate housing for migrant workers in Terengganu, Malaysia. In completing this article, the qualitative research method is used. The data for this article was collected using both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was gathered through semi-structured interviews using open-ended question with migrant workers, employers, and locals in Terengganu, Malaysia. Secondary data was also collected through library-based research and digital materials on websites. This article indicates that the affordability and availability of adequate housing, and the lack of awareness among employers, migrant workers and locals about the importance of adequate housing for migrant workers have been the challenges for migrant workers to get their proper housing.

Telephonic Outreach to Engage Patients with Substance Use Disorder Post-Hospitalization During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the initial COVID-19 surge, one public hospital in NYC updated their post-discharge outreach approach for patients with substance use disorder, as part of the CATCH (Consult for Addiction Treatment and Care in Hospitals) program. Beginning April 1, 2020, three peers and two addiction counselors attempted telephonic outreach to patients who received a CATCH consultation during hospitalization from program launch (October 7, 2019) through March 31, 2020 (n = 329). Outreach calls could include counseling, in-depth peer support, and referrals to substance use services (SUS)-a significant expansion of the services offered via outreach pre-pandemic. CATCH staff successfully reached 29.5% of patients and provided 77.6% of them with supportive counseling and referrals. Thirty percent of unsuccessful calls were due to inactive numbers, and only 8% of patients without housing were reached. Telephonic outreach established a low-barrier connection between patients and SUS that may be valuable during any period, including non-COVID times. Future interventions that address social determinants such as housing and cell phone access concomitantly with substance use should be considered by addiction consultation services to potentially reduce acute care utilization and improve health outcomes.

Experimental characterization of the turbulent intake jet in an engine flow bench

The turbulent intake flow of an optically accessible internal combustion engine is modeled using an air flow bench to reduce the complexity in the number of variables inherent within engine flows. By removing the piston and introducing a new optically accessible housing and outlet channel, the flow bench design simulates engine flows in the region just downstream of the intake valves and offers the possibility to measure and calculate quantities that would be difficult or impossible to obtain in the unsteady environment of a dynamic engine. Velocity data obtained via high-speed particle image velocimetry of the flow bench in the symmetry and valve planes are compared with data from a base operating condition of the motored engine at an intake pressure of 0.95 bar and a speed of 800 rpm at - 270°CA (270 crank-angle-degrees before compression top dead center), beginning with stationary valves at the corresponding valve lift of - 270°CA, then with moving valves. Analysis of the intake jet turbulence for increasing mass flow rates reveals a coherent flapping of the jet at a frequency of 752.5 Hz for only the 100% mass flow rate case. The vortex shedding frequency of the valve stem is estimated to being in the range of 634–799 Hz, indicating a possible link between the coherent jet flapping and the vortex shedding surviving the acceleration through the valve gap. Through comprehensive analysis, this study provides valuable validation data and insight into the intake flows of internal combustion engines.

Closing the Door on Survivors: How anti-trafficking programmes in the US limit access to housing

Housing is often an immediate need for survivors as they exit a trafficking situation. Due to financial hardship, housing availability, and other barriers, many survivors rely on time-limited housing options, some which are offered by anti-trafficking service providers. As such, the anti-trafficking field has begun to adopt trauma-informed approaches to housing to meet the needs of survivors. In this paper, we present an analysis of policies and procedures from 73 US anti-trafficking housing programmes on the implementation of a trauma-informed model. We argue that mandatory requirements limit the implementation of trauma-informed service delivery. Additionally, practices such as the voluntary services model can be leveraged to increase trauma-informed approaches in housing services. Lessons learnt from this process can inform the revision of punitive policies and procedures in favour of those that are voluntary and trauma-informed.

Eco-City-Based Sustainable Settlement Planning In Bengkayang New City Area

The inability of a city to the pressure of increasing activity in urban areas which has encouraged the expansion of development into suburban areas is a phenomenon that often occurs in major urban centers. With the development of a new area, it can be a solution to solving urban problems, expanding the availability of housing and infrastructure, and reducing disparities between the main city and suburban areas. The development of a new city, in addition to physically changing the suburban area, can also have a socio-economic impact on the people, as a challenge to fulfill the welfare of the urban housing phenomenon. Bengkayang Regency is one of the developing districts. As one of the border frontier cities in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, Bengkayang is the main border gate between Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. The great potential of Bengkayang Regency has not been supported by adequate urban planning and arrangement, which can reflect unique regional characteristics (local wisdom). The local government has established a policy regarding the development of a new city in Bengkayang, which is located in the Bumi Sebalo Village. This study aims to carry out sustainable settlement planning in the New City Area of Bengkayang based on Eco-City. Determination of the location based on the new Bengkayang city master plan data, namely in the sub BWP housing and green open space, with a descriptive qualitative analysis method. Settlement planning carried out includes aspects of housing, area support facilities and public green open spaces. The direction for housing arrangement uses a balanced residential concept, with a cluster system without guardrails, a grid pattern following the contours and condition of the land, pedestrian-friendly, and utilizing natural potential in the form of river flows as public open space areas and jogging tracks. Commercial facilities as supporting areas are placed on main road access with more strategic functions. Public green open space as a means of socializing and recreation on a city scale, how many sub-BWP green open spaces are equipped with urban forests as bearers of ecological functions, playgrounds, water fountains, amphitheater, street vendor areas to support the local community's economy, festival market areas as well as several tourist and cultural attractions as support activity.

Social and economic determinants of post-war re-emigration

Introduction. After the full-scale invasion of the russian federation a large number of citizens left Ukraine. Most of them have chosen Euro­pean countries as their place of residence, whose government have shown interest in the assimi­lation of Ukrainian refugees, and some of the migrants plan to return home. Problem. The departure of a significant num­ber of Ukrainian citizens abroad had a negative impact both on the state of the domestic market due to a significant drop in demand, and on the labour market, in particular in the service sector, which suffered significantly during the war. In the future, for some families, the question of reunification may arise not in Ukraine, but abroad. The aim of the study is to determine the factors that will influence the return of Ukrai­nian refugees after the end of the war. Methods. The research was conducted using methods of systematic and comparative analysis, sociological method in combination with cultu­ral and behavioural methods. Results. Despite the strong "sense of home" many parents have, their decision to return home to Ukraine is influenced by the desire to ensure a stable life for their children in countries that guarantee social protection, security and trans­parency of business, opportunities for social growth. Conclusions. At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, mostly representatives of small and medium-sized businesses and/or their relatives or friends left Ukraine. The possible threat to their lives and health during hostilities keeps them from returning. The availability of housing is a determining motivational factor for return for a relatively small number of respon­dents, the most important factor is the opportu­nity to work or manage legitimate business structures.

Role of transportation cost in housing affordability for the urban poor in the metropolitan cities in India- a case of Lucknow

Housing affordability is conventionally measured by the thumb rule of 30% of monthly income spent on housing. This thumb rule does not consider location, transportation cost, or accessibility. However, if a residence is far away and requires expensive travel, it is not actually affordable. Multiple planning goals can be accomplished by increasing the availability of inexpensive housing in convenient places, including decreasing transport costs, improving economic opportunities for underprivileged groups, lowering accident risk, conserving energy, and lowering pollution emissions. An H+T affordability index is a tool that is recently developed by researchers to assess the overall cost of housing and transportation relative to household income for different locations in a city. Researchers have recently developed a metric called the H+T affordability index to assess the entire cost of housing and transportation relative to household income for various areas of a city. This analysis is used in the study of Lucknow, India. The results show that households in suburban areas spend more than 57% of their monthly income on housing and transportation than those living in central zones and they spend only 45% of their income on these expenses. This aligns with the findings of other urban regions' studies. This demonstrates the viability of housing and transportation affordability analysis to discover inexpensive and sustainable development in developing countries.

A response framework for addressing the risks of climate change for homeless populations

ABSTRACT People experiencing homeless have greater vulnerabilities in relation to climate change that require a range of policy and systems approaches. There are two interrelated areas that policymakers can consider in relation to climate change and homelessness: migration and exposure. This synthesis of the available data and expert opinion provides practical information to policymakers, with specific strategies alongside case examples. The data captured here is through systematic reviews, and expert opinion is generated through input from a year-long series of five virtual think tanks. Throughout this synthesis paper, an emphasis is placed on explicitly addressing homeless populations in the policies and plans designed to address climate change-related impacts. Prevention-oriented plans are shown to be more effective in terms of outcomes and cost-effectiveness compared to the more commonly deployed crisis response models. Another key issue considered is the availability of relevant data with which to target policy responses and evaluate outcomes. Data-driven responses tend to be more successful, though relevant data are, to date, lacking for homeless and other marginalized populations. Moreover, effective policy design in this area needs to be intersectional and inclusive, tailored to the needs of local communities and developed in consultation with lived experience stakeholders, including service providers. Policies that ignore local input tend to fail. Prevention-oriented, culturally-situated, and trauma-informed systems and services hold the greatest promise in responding to the severe health risks and inequities that homeless populations face in the climate crisis. Key policy insights Prevention-oriented measures are key, with most focussing on the availability of affordable housing and upgrading housing and living conditions of vulnerable populations. There is a need to include lived experience and input from local communities, especially when designing measures that will impact livelihoods, such as planned migration. Disaster, crisis response, and aftercare plans need to outline explicit measures for homeless populations. There is a need for cross-sectoral alignment of policy and intervention responses. Successful approaches tend to be culturally-situated and trauma-informed.

Against the grain: environmental laws, local botanical knowledge, and housing access in Rio de Janeiro

This article considers how the construction practices of marginalized communities in Rio de Janeiro link the provision of essential housing to distant forest environments and markets for wood building materials. As elsewhere in Brazil, many families without access to real estate markets have built their own homes using locally available materials, a right protected by the 1988 Constitution and federal law. Today, these houses are typically built from reinforced concrete and clay bricks and finished with a roof of clay tile or cheaper fiber-cement corrugate. Production and sale of fiber-cement, which contains asbestos, were restricted by Rio de Janeiro State law in 2001 and ruled unconstitutional by Brazil’s Supreme Court in 2017. But little attention has been given to the human and environmental health effects of other building materials. This article examines the timber frame to which roof tiles are affixed. Maçaranduba is the main wood used in roof construction and is the most traded wood in Brazil, with production practices linked to environmental and social violence. Brazil’s laws presently subsidize plantation-grown pine and eucalyptus as “sustainable” alternatives to native hardwoods. The chemical treatments commonly applied to render these woods resistant to decay, however, contain potent environmental toxins. Moreover, the degree to which builders of essential housing actually use these products is unstudied. We argue that legislation has moved “against the grain” or without close attention to the botanical knowledge expressed in vernacular architectures and the needs of marginalized socio-ecologies intimately linked through the production of essential housing.

Can Canada become home without a house? The intersectional challenges to housing and settlement among refugees

Service providers’ crucial roles in securing housing for refugees in Canada is a topic scantly addressed in the broader literature. A focus on frontline workers in the housing and settlement sectors offers a productive analytic lens to map the critical link between service provision and housing access for refugees. Based on thirteen semi-structured interviews with service providers across nine organizations in Toronto, Canada, this study illuminates housing access barriers, such as lack of affordable housing and perceived housing discrimination. Furthermore, this paper unearths the intersectional praxis of frontline workers. Broadening the analytical frame to include an intersectional lens centring race, class, immigration status, and gender, this paper enriches current scholarship on 1) housing inequality, 2) refugee settlement, and 3) intersectionality. This paper also makes an epistemic intervention in the evolving field of housing studies at critical junctures. While this research was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study reflects on the added complexity of the pandemic to refugees’ housing access.

Reproductive intentions of Russians with children at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic

The paper studies the reproductive intentions of the Russians who already have at least one child before and during the quarantine restrictions (lockdowns) due to COVID-19. Binary choice logistic models and a set of machine learning models were evaluated on the data from the Person, Family, Society survey conducted in March—May 2020. Modeling of the respondents’ intentions to have more children in the short term (3 years) and the long term (more than 3 years) showed that external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict quarantine regulations associated with it had an impact on fertility intentions, but only in the short term. These external shocks were less significant than such factors as age of the respondent; the number of children already born; availability of housing needed to expand the family; the maternity capital program availability, which includes the opportunity to improve housing conditions after the birth of children. As Russians with children showed the increase of the probability of having additional children after April 2020, we conclude that the effect of COVID-19 on reproductive intentions was acyclical. The estimation of models with heterogeneous effects showed that the pandemic had a stronger impact on respondents with above-average household incomes.

Reproductive intentions of Russians with children at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic

The paper studies the reproductive intentions of the Russians who already have at least one child before and during the quarantine restrictions (lockdowns) due to COVID-19. Binary choice logistic models and a set of machine learning models were evaluated on the data from the Person, Family, Society survey conducted in March—May 2020. Modeling of the respondents’ intentions to have more children in the short term (3 years) and the long term (more than 3 years) showed that external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict quarantine regulations associated with it had an impact on fertility intentions, but only in the short term. These external shocks were less significant than such factors as age of the respondent; the number of children already born; availability of housing needed to expand the family; the maternity capital program availability, which includes the opportunity to improve housing conditions after the birth of children. As Russians with children showed the increase of the probability of having additional children after April 2020, we conclude that the effect of COVID-19 on reproductive intentions was acyclical. The estimation of models with heterogeneous effects showed that the pandemic had a stronger impact on respondents with above-average household incomes.

Climate Change and Pregnancy: Risks, Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience.

Climate change is affecting the earth, resulting in more extreme temperatures and weather, rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and displacement of populations of plants and animals, including people and insects. These changes affect food and housing security, vector-borne illnesses, and access to clean air and water, all of which influence human health. There are a number of adverse health outcomes linked to heat, air pollution from wildfires, stress from natural disasters, and other elements of climate change. Pregnant people are especially vulnerable to the health harms resulting from climate change, namely, preterm birth, small for gestational age, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and other adverse reproductive health and birth outcomes. Strategies to minimize these harms include mitigation and adaptation. Physicians are in a unique position to protect the health of pregnant persons and children by advocating for policy changes that address climate change and providing clinical recommendations for patients to protect themselves from the health impacts of climate hazards.

Without Affordable, Accessible, and Adequate Housing, Health Has No Foundation.

Policy Points Today's housing disparities are rooted in the increasing commodification of housing that has taken precedence over the need for shelter, a basic human right. With rising housing costs across the country, more residents are finding their monthly income going to rent, mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities, leaving little for food and medication. Housing is a determinant of health, and with increasing housing disparities, action must be taken to ensure no individual is displaced, communities remain intact, and cities continue to thrive.

Impacts of Crisis on the Real Estate Market Depending on the Development of the Region

The article compares the effects of crisis on the real estate market in two regions of the Czech Republic that differ from a macroeconomic point of view. The region of Prague represents the rich and developed region while the Karlovy Vary region struggles with many socio-economic and structural problems. An analysis was performed for the time period of 2018 to 2022. It analyzed the development of apartment prices in both regions, the availability of housing, the turnover of the real estate market in terms of the number of apartment sales, the development of liens on real estate, the number of apartment transfers from state property to private ownership, and the development of the number of real estate foreclosures. The basis for creating statistical outputs is the EVAL software, which was developed by one of the co-authors of this article. The EVAL software collects price offers of apartments offered for sale and rent throughout the Czech Republic and collects publicly available data from the cadastral office. The authors found that the real estate market experienced a significant turnaround in the volume of mortgage loans granted in 2022. This decline led to a significant drop in the total volume of real estate transactions. The findings suggest that potential buyers should wait for property prices to drop before buying, while rental property owners and investors can take advantage of the increased demand for properties.

Considering the home environment and planning for the future: A qualitative exploration of the views of older adults and individuals with older relatives

Background Successful ageing-in-place is dependent on the design and features of the home. In some cases, home modifications or relocation may be required. Accessible, affordable, age-friendly housing for older adults is required to encourage forward planning. Aims/objectives To understand the views of middle and older aged adults and individuals with older relatives, about home safety, ageing in place and housing accessibility. Material and methods A qualitative descriptive approach, using reflexive thematic analysis was used. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants, comprising eight middle- older aged people and eight individuals with older relatives. Results Seven themes were identified. Most participants accepted the ageing process and could recognise home environment hazards and potential future housing needs. Others were determined to remain independent at home and resistant to making future changes until necessary. Participants were interested in obtaining more information about how to improve home safety or services to support ageing-in-place. Conclusion Most older adults are open to conversations about planning for ageing-in-place and would like further information on home safety and home modifications. Educational forums and tools (such as flyers or checklists) which assist older people to plan future housing needs are recommended. Significance Many older people are living in homes that present hazards and limited accessibility as they age. Earlier planning could lead to home modifications which will improve the capacity to age in place. Action to provide earlier education is needed as the population ages and suitable housing for older people is limited. Key points for occupational therapy Decision-making around home safety among the ageing population can be compromised by lack of awareness, inadequate access to information and the sudden onset of age-related changes. An education guide or tool to support forward planning and housing decisions may improve early awareness among the ageing population.

U.S. Graduate Students’ Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to learn the extent that graduate students amid the COVID-19 pandemic exhibited post-traumatic stress symptoms. METHODS: We surveyed graduate students at twelve U.S. universities and analyzed 4,036 survey responses. RESULTS: 31% of graduate student respondents described post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), defined as experiencing strong reactions on an ongoing basis to events they would usually take in stride. Women and students from historically marginalized racial groups reported greater PTSS than men and White students. PTSS were correlated with food and housing insecurity, concerns about career plans, and degree timelines. PTSS were lower for students who felt supported by advisors and institutional policy changes. CONCLUSIONS: Combined with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s trauma guidelines, our results provide a basis for university leaders’ actions to support graduate students; readily accessible food and housing assistance, policies that facilitate effective advising, and enhanced student agency via career planning.