Access To Housing Research Articles

Estimating Accessibility Problems in the Swedish Housing Stock Using Citizen Science: The Housing Experiment 2021.

Accessible housing for the aging population is important, but large-scale reliable information on accessibility problems in ordinary housing is lacking. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of environmental barriers and analyze potential accessibility problems in the Swedish housing stock and to evaluate the validity and representativeness of housing data collected in a citizen science project. Data on environmental barriers in 1181 dwellings were collected by members of the public. Prevalence of barriers and potential accessibility problems were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ranking methodology. Validity and representativeness were addressed by comparisons with public statistics and research, and analysis of data properties. It was found there are substantial numbers of environmental barriers in dwellings across Sweden that generate accessibility problems for people with functional limitations. The results suggest that with user-friendly data collection tools and instructions, data validity and representativeness can be achieved in citizen science projects involving older adults.

Safety in Housing for Older Adults-A Qualitative Case Study.

Housing solutions for older adults aim at providing a safe environment to live in. The construction is heavily based on aspects of physical safety, often disregarding the social aspects of feeling safe. The older adults themselves are looking for a living environment that supports their individual capacities and social networks. The living environment can contribute to their physical, social, and emotional safety by providing accessible housing and spaces for community building. Interviews with older adults who had recently lived through a building fire highlighted the importance of the community in daily life, in emergency as well as in recovery from hazards. The results show that community building is related to access to common-use spaces and daily interaction with neighbors. The shared spaces in the immediate surroundings can enhance community cohesion and generate peer support. The common-use spaces and public facilities in urban environment have a significant role in emergencies and in the process of recovery from adversities.

Policy evaluation and performance assessment for sustainable urbanization: a study of selected city corporations in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is going through an unprecedented period of urban growth, and its cities are having to deal with rising service, housing, and infrastructural needs. It is critical to comprehend how urban government promotes sustainable development as the nation struggles with the intricacies of urbanization. This study aims to investigate how urban governance impacts sustainable urbanization at the city corporation level in Bangladesh, focusing on Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Agenda, which is “sustainable cities and communities.” The study selected Rajshahi and Gazipur City Corporations as case studies and employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and descriptive statistics methods to gather data from primary and secondary sources. The findings of the study reveal gaps in urban governance, highlighting inconsistencies between the expectations of stakeholders and the reality on the ground. Stakeholders express high expectations for housing access, infrastructure development, disaster management, transportation, and environmental sustainability, but the current state falls short in several areas. Further, the study proposes several recommendations to enhance urban governance, including fostering participatory approaches, ensuring sufficient budget allocation for infrastructure development, addressing housing challenges, enhancing women’s safety in transportation, and strengthening disaster management systems.

Household and housing determinants of sleep duration during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the COHESION Study

BackgroundPublic health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced individuals to spend more time at home. We sought to investigate the relationship between housing characteristics and sleep duration in the context of COVID-19. MethodsOur exploratory study was part of the COvid-19: Health and Social Inequities across Neighborhoods (COHESION) Study Phase-1, a pan-Canadian population-based cohort involving nearly 1300 participants, launched in May 2020. Sociodemographic, household and housing characteristics (dwelling type, dissatisfaction, access to outdoor space, family composition, etc.), and self-reported sleep were prospectively collected through COHESION Study follow-ups. We explored the associations between housing and household characteristics and sleep duration using linear regressions, as well as testing for effect modification by income satisfaction and gender. ResultsOur study sample involved 624 COHESION Study participants aged 50 ± 16years (mean±SD), mainly women (78%), White (86%), and university graduates (64%). The average sleep duration was 7.8 (1.4) hours. Sleep duration was shorter according to the number of children in the household, income dissatisfaction, and type of dwelling in multivariable models. Sleep was short in those without access to a private outdoor space, or only having a balcony/terrace. In stratified analyses, sleep duration was associated with housing conditions dissatisfaction only in those dissatisfied with their income. ConclusionOur exploratory study highlights the relationship between housing quality and access to outdoor space, family composition and sleep duration in the context of COVID-19. Our findings also highlight the importance of housing characteristics as sources of observed differences in sleep duration.

Socioeconomic, Cultural, and Educational Determinants of Maternal and Perinatal Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lima, Peru

Socioeconomic, cultural, and educational factors influencing the health of pregnant women, postpartum women, and perinatal health in Lima, Peru, were analyzed.To analyze the socioeconomic, cultural, and educational determinants associated with the health of pregnant women, postpartum women, and perinatal health during the COVID-19 pandemic at the primary care level in the Cono Sur of Lima.A quantitative, analytical, and cross-sectional study with a non-experimental design was conducted on a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 217 pregnant and postpartum women. Structured surveys were used, and data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, including ordinal logistic regression to explore the relationships between variables.Of the 217 participants, 47.5% were aged between 25 and 35 years, 41.9% were pregnant, and 30.9% had one child. Additionally, 59% were single, 46.1% professed the Catholic religion, and 36.9% were homemakers. Significant relationships were found between health and social, economic, and educational determinants, highlighting housing type, family income, and access to services such as the internet and television.The health of pregnant women, postpartum women, and perinatal health in the Cono Sur of Lima is conditioned by a combination of socioeconomic, cultural, and educational factors. These findings underscore the need for specific policies and programs to address inequalities and improve maternal and perinatal health in the region.

The Role of Micro Finance in Empowering Women

The paper aims to emphasize the importance of microfinance in empowering women. The research involves a descriptive design. Numerous developmental initiatives and schemes are put into action. There are microfinance programs that are focused on rural areas and women who are economically disadvantaged in society and aimed at those who are on the fringes of society. Microfinance is a potent tool that is efficient and impactful the empowerment of women. Women empowerment faces a significant amount of obstacles financial situation, lack of education, without skills, joblessness, limited availability of land, housing, and transportation electricity and choosing as a family. It is seen as one of the most successful ways to reduce poverty instruments. Microfinance services are seen as a way to start or a means to enable empowerment females. Members of MFIs play a larger role in saving and contributing. Generating income decision making within the household, and engaging in activities outside the household sector.Despite numerous poverty alleviation programs being initiated; only microfinance has proven effective. Programs are typically associated with impoverished and women from rural areas. Microfinance is considered as one of the most effective solutions for addressing financial needs. Promote self-employment, particularly among impoverished women in rural areas. It offers assistance to individuals those without any assets to use as security for the loans. Women who have the ability to access able to foster entrepreneurship among individuals who previously had limited access to traditional financial services empowered economically and socially by earning more money from small projects and overall well-being of individuals in developing countries community initiatives and support groups promoting the empowerment and self-value of women. Microfinance becomes catalyst for societal transformation and the empowerment of women.

Integrated Solutions for Urban Sustainability in Lagos, Nigeria: Enhancing Housing Accessibility and Transportation Efficiency

Integrated Solutions for Urban Sustainability in Lagos, Nigeria: Enhancing Housing Accessibility and Transportation Efficiency

RENT POLICY DILEMMAS. REVIEW AND ATTEMPTED EVALUATION

This article aims to present (1) the mechanism of the establishment and consequences of maintaining a policy of low rents in the housing sector, (2) the complex process of transition to market rents, and (3) the risks associated with maintaining these market rents. Two main research hypotheses are proposed: (1) that government intervention in setting low rents leads to a so-called 'rent stabilization trap', with detrimental long-term effects on the housing economy, and (2) that the adoption of market rents in areas with unmet housing demand – which is politically and socially sensitive, especially in the context of high inflation - leads to a 'high rent trap', exacerbating housing availability problems. As the experience of several countries shows, such dynamics often force further legislative action on rent regulation. The study uses three research methods: document review, literature analysis and critique, and a case study approach.

Aktivitas Kemaritiman Masyarakat Menui di Desa Buranga 1960-2021

This research aims to describe and analyze the maritime socio-economic activities and impacts of the Menui community in Buranga Village 1960-2021. The research was carried out using the historical method from Kuntowijoyo (2013:69-81), namely: (1) topic selection, (2) source heuristics, (3) source criticism, (4) source interpretation, and (5) historiography. The research results are divided into two parts of analysis. First, the maritime activities of the Menui community in Buranga Village throughout 1960-2021 show that there were active trade and shipping activities carried out by Bugis, Muna and Butonese traders from Maluku who stopped in coastal areas, thus influencing the trade and shipping of local communities. The majority of village people work as net fishermen, but also as cage makers and traders. Second, maritime activities during this period showed the following social, cultural and economic impacts: a). cultural impact; the community still adheres to oral traditions related to sailing activities, namely meumpanako, small talk, and maintaining the values of mutual cooperation, b). economic impact; The community utilizes marine resources as a livelihood by becoming fishermen whose results are obtained from fishing activities. c) Social impact; Menui people who carry out shipping and trade show beneficial economic impacts. This is characterized by the availability of livable houses, the use of better clothing, and the ability to buy goods from outside including motor vehicles, televisions, etc.

Assessing Malaysia’s Effectiveness in Alleviating Home Buying Challenges for Young Malaysians

This study analyses the current status of home ownership among young Malaysians and assesses the effectiveness of the scheme in improving housing affordability among young Malaysians. The study examines the target population, income profile, and loan interest rates to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of home ownership among young Malaysians. The findings show that housing market conditions, especially among the B40 income group, have been deteriorating since 2016, with house prices growing faster than income growth. This has significantly reduced housing affordability, making it difficult for many to realize their dream of home ownership. The continued growth in money supply and volatility in the overnight policy rate have further exacerbated affordability. Although the MFHS has provided substantial support by offering loans with no down payment of up to 110%, rising house prices and interest rates have undermined its effectiveness. Policy recommendations include adopting a long-term housing policy framework that takes into account demographic and economic trends, establishing a strong monitoring and evaluation mechanism, and adopting flexible loan terms. It is also recommended to work with private sector stakeholders to improve housing accessibility and affordability through innovative financing solutions and increasing the supply of affordable housing.

The climate change adaptation readiness of co‐operative housing in Nova Scotia, Canada

AbstractClimate adaptation policy in Canada is emerging in the context of another major challenge: the diminishing availability of affordable housing. Housing is a well‐known driver of social vulnerability to environmental risks, so as governments respond to these challenges, it will be essential to understand how housing is being situated within adaptation, particularly with respect to differences in housing tenure and how decisions around equity and social vulnerability are factored into planning and policy processes. This research examines how adaptation plans and policies in Nova Scotia are addressing the needs of the non‐profit co‐operative housing sector and assesses the adaptation readiness of housing co‐operatives in the province. Two methods are employed: a systematic content analysis of municipal and provincial climate policy documents, and interviews with key informants across the co‐operative housing sector and government agencies. Using a modified adaptation readiness framework, we consider the potential for co‐operative adaptation and complimentary public policy to address vulnerability at the intersection of housing and climate change. Findings indicate that non‐market forms of tenure have been largely neglected by adaptation planners and state policymakers. Several barriers which contribute to a low level of adaptation readiness for co‐ops are highlighted, notably a lack of usable science and funding to facilitate adaptation. Characteristics such as affordability and a propensity for collective action position housing co‐ops to be agents of equitable and systemic adaptation, but this potential will only be realized in Canada if key barriers are overcome through targeted governmental rt for non‐profit housing organizations.

Implementing a Reproducible Foot and Vaccine Clinic Model to Address Healthcare Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness

Background: Homeless Health, Education, Awareness and Leadership in Street Medicine (HEALS) is a nonprofit, medical student-run organization. The mission of HEALS is to address the medical and psychosocial needs of people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Through street medicine outreach initiatives, HEALS works to improve health outcomes associated with unstable housing and limited access to healthcare. The HEALS Foot and Vaccine Clinic was developed to screen for and treat vascular insufficiency, chronic and acute wounds, and foot-related pathologies, and provide vaccinations to prevent infectious illnesses. This clinic also aimed to prevent exposure-related injuries by providing proper footwear and direct access to care. Aim: Our objective is to create a reproducible foot and vaccine clinic model for student-run clinics to address the needs of PEH through interprofessional collaboration and service learning. Methods: The event was funded through a crowdfunding campaign and donations and was hosted at a local shelter. Medical students and physicians employed by the medical school partnered with five community outreach programs to provide medical care. The Department of Health (DoH) administered vaccinations against common viral diseases. Results: Through crowdfunding campaigns, $6,646.00 was raised to contribute to the cost of boots, hygiene kits for attendees, and cleaning supplies, budgeted at $5,198.00. Forty-seven individuals experiencing homelessness were provided with foot care and twenty-six vaccines were administered. The DoH administered twelve hepatitis A, five coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and nine influenza vaccinations at this event. Successive members of HEALS have since replicated this model to replicate foot and vaccine clinics and expand outreach to the neighboring county, yielding increased event attendance and funding. Using this model, student-run free clinics may implement similar initiatives within their own communities to address the complex needs of PEH.

Exploring independent living initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities: insights from the Spanish case

In the past four decades, Independent Living (IL) has gained prominence in inspiring services for people with intellectual disabilities. Yet, its practical application faces challenges within a field still influenced by medical-rehabilitative and paternalistic perspectives. This study seeks to explore the fundamental characteristics that IL models assume within the field of intellectual disabilities, focusing on the Spanish experience, identifying pioneering projects, influential models, and their ripple effects. A comprehensive mapping of IL projects has been conducted, analyzing publicly available information on 86 identified cases. In seven significant cases, in-depth interviews were conducted with people responsible for their development. Our analysis sheds light on some emerging tensions, with a focus on what is identified as a family-centered approach, an emphasis on skills-oriented services, and an overreliance on housing accessibility. Finally, this paper offers recommendations to enhance these initiatives and foster the integration of IL in the intellectual disability context.

Stigma in homelessness and health care: reflections from a Housing First program in Barcelona, Spain

The experience of homelessness is associated with strong stigmatization processes, which are often reflected in the treatment received from professionals and the healthcare system itself. This article aims to analyze the experiences of participants in a program for homeless individuals in Barcelona called Primer la Llar within the healthcare system, and how the stigma they suffer affects the care processes. This program follows the Housing First model, a social intervention that proposes providing housing without preconditions to individuals with long histories of street living, who suffer from severe mental disorders and/or addictions. Based on individual interviews with 20 participants conducted between 2016 and 2020, it is observed that in certain cases, entering the program, having housing availability, support from professionals, and the development of their own strategies had positive effects on improving their health, although they continue to perceive discriminatory attitudes in some medical settings. It is suggested that the transformation regarding stigmatization be understood broadly, affecting individuals, institutions, and society as a whole.

Expanding Affordable Middle Housing Options in Single-Family Neighborhoods

Problem, research strategy, and findings By examining the Residential Infill Project (RIP) in Portland (OR), this study addressed the ongoing debate on single-family zoning reform, focusing on the effectiveness of legalizing middle housing in expanding housing options in single-family neighborhoods. The analysis revealed a substantial increase in the proportion of middle housing in residential developments in single-family zones, from 13.4% before the RIP implementation to 44.7% in the 2 years after RIP’s adoption. Almost 40% of these post-RIP middle housing permit units were replacements for existing homes. Compared with single-family housing developments, middle housing projects were more likely to be in neighborhoods with greater density, better walkability, and lower income. The RIP broadened middle housing accessibility by allowing their development on non-corner lots, at greater distances to the city center, and in medium-density single-family zones. The RIP’s approach to regulating development density and building size significantly reduced the average size of middle housing units in single-family zones to less than half that of single-family homes. Given the strong correlation between home sizes and prices, it seems reasonable to infer that middle housing units have become considerably more affordable since the enactment of the RIP. Takeaway for practice Eliminating single-family zoning represents an initial step in expanding housing options in single-family neighborhoods. More comprehensive zoning reforms are essential for meaningful improvements in housing affordability and diversity. Cities must reassess and amend zoning codes, particularly development standards, to foster innovation in middle housing development and encourage developers to build smaller homes to lower housing costs.

Housing governance and racialisation: ‘inclusivity’ in housing access and experience

ABSTRACT In March 2022, the UK government refined its approach to tackling systemic inequalities with a seemingly innocuous refrain: ‘inclusivity’. The instilling of shared values and economic development were discursively framed in central government rhetoric as the solutions to existing disparities and processes that were linked to places deemed as deprived. Drawing on data from forty-seven interviews with policy practitioners, anti-racist networks, and racially minoritised residents in two UK sites (Oldham and Glasgow), this article examines the persistent ways that racialised discourses, structures and ideologies shape housing access and experience. The insights generated from this article shed light on housing policy in three ways: firstly, by identifying the pervasiveness of racialisation and racism in social housing allocation systems; secondly, by evidencing the devaluing of anti-racist knowledge and the role of urban development initiatives in erasing anti-racist networks; and, thirdly, by exploring how local practitioners identify the problems of housing inclusivity as rooted in lack of residential mixing and inter-personal racism, rather than operating institutionally. The article concludes that adopting an approach that is attentive to institutional forms of whiteness and racialisation enhances understanding of the policy landscapes within which practitioners operate, and the existing racial injustices in housing experience that are reproduced.

The Present State of Housing and Treatment of Transgender Incarcerated Persons.

The care and housing of transgender (TGD) incarcerated persons is a complex concern that is growing because of the increased recognition and diagnosis of gender dysphoria in society. To remain current in this evolving landscape, there have been updates to federal manuals and state guidelines regarding the medical care and housing of the TGD population. Since the publication by Glezer and colleagues in 2013, there has not been a comprehensive overview of current federal and state guidelines, and legal and other considerations on this topic. We provide an update with special consideration given to housing practices, safety, and access to care. A review of the literature shows that the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requirements are not uniformly implemented and enforced on a state level. In fact, some states have policies that are in direct conflict with federal requirements. The safety and equitable treatment of both TGD and cisgender populations is an important topic that merits attention. As new challenges emerge, an increase in federal enforcement and consistency is needed to ensure the humane treatment and protection of TGD inmates.

Shifting the Paradigms: Empowering Slum Dwellers through Hygiene Training and Educational Awareness

Within the expansive urban landscapes of the world, characterized by tall buildings dominating the skyline and bustling streets swarming with activity, there exists an alternate reality—the reality of slum dwellers. These densely populated areas, often concealed from public view, accommodate millions of individuals contending with poverty, substandard housing, and limited access to essential amenities. Among the adversities inherent in slum dwellers' existence, there lies a hope of optimism—It's about how education and knowledge about hygiene can bring positive change. It is imperative to alter the prevailing paradigm and empower residents of slum areas through targeted educational campaigns on hygiene and initiatives aimed at enhancing access to education.

Searching for choice and control: Western Australian service provider experiences of health, housing and migration.

This research aimed to inform approaches to increase access to secure housing and improve mental health outcomes for migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (hereafter migrants) who are generally invisible in health and social policy and service provision in Western Australia. We used semi-structured, in-depth interviews (n = 11) and interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore service provider experiences and perspectives of issues impacting service provision and the needs of migrants in this context. Five superordinate themes reveal complex experiences for both service providers and the migrants with whom they work. Findings reflect tensions between contemporary notions of choice and control and a social service system that is difficult to navigate, reflects systemic racism and appears to rely heavily on the non-government sector. Insights have important and practical implications for health promotion policy, practice and research. Recommendations include improvements to housing access, provision, funding and policies; addressing service barriers via staff training and more accessible community resources; and co-design and community outreach approaches.

State Policy of Far East Development: How to Ensure Accelerated Progress?

Against the backdrop of the authorities’ efforts to accelerate the development of the Far East, dissatisfaction remains, an indicator of which is the trend of population decline. The article argues that the growing financial flow, with the same approach, without a precise formula of the goal, without the definition of priorities, will not give the desired result. It is proposed to accelerate the transition from a resource-export model of the economy to a new industrialization. The justification of priorities is based on combining the efforts of the subjects of the federation of the macroregion, involving the potential of the country’s entrepreneurs focused on Asian markets, and integration cooperation with the countries of the AsiaPacific region.The widest field for cooperation is seen in the field of exploration of the World Ocean, space exploration and in the field of Culture. Such a turn increases the attractiveness of the Far East and increases the demand for labor. It will be necessary to see a different solution to demographic problems. If the State is the main beneficiary of population growth, it is obliged to recognize the birth and upbringing of children in the family as productive work, which is remunerated, counted in the length of service, and provided with a pension.The stability of a young family is determined by the availability of housing, and the key to having many children is a house “on the ground”. But the house is not financial bondage, not a mortgage, but an incentive for expanded reproduction. The course towards industrialization provides an opportunity for a decent income for the head of the family, the work of women is paid, and a roof over their heads is a guarantee of a stable and large family. And the Far East is a testing ground where a model is created, control mechanisms are polished, and efficiency is demonstrated.