Access To Housing Research Articles

Algorithmic dwelling? Digital technologies as intermediaries in housing access and the enactment of home

ABSTRACT This brief paper provides an introduction to our special issue of the journal on ‘algorithmic dwelling’. It provides a summary of the seven papers in the special issue and draws out a number of common themes.

Owning versus Renting a Home—Prospects for Generation Z

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) include sustainable cities and communities. The availability of housing for young people is a contemporary global problem, and the severity of housing problems for young people in many countries is widely discussed and raises important policy questions. Generation Z, described as digital, critical, adventurous, open-minded and, above all, mobile people, is now entering adulthood. The study attempted to identify the housing preferences of young people to determine whether they prefer renting a flat or owning one. Although generation Z differs from older generations in many respects, their perception of the housing issue does not differ significantly from the attitudes presented by older generations. The dominant model of the housing system in Poland, the non-commodified-familial model, which prefers ownership over renting, is also shared by the youngest generation. Hence, the conclusion addressed to the public authorities and the financing system is to enable the expansion of the credit offer supported by a long-term savings plan aimed at young people. Renting as an alternative way of securing housing needs is also perceived positively, with nearly 80% of respondents stating that they would be able to live in rented accommodation, mainly due to greater mobility, rising property prices and reluctance to take out a long-term loan. Hence, we suggest the need to support institutional renting along the lines of other countries with similar housing systems.

50-year Deprivation Trajectories: Local Area Change in England and Wales, 1971–2021

Since 1971, the decennial censuses of England and Wales have underpinned the construction of various local level deprivation measures. Many policy-related and academic studies have used deprivation scores calculated cross-sectionally to identify geographical areas in need of regeneration and to explain spatial variations in health outcomes. However, such an approach masks the sometimes very distinct challenges faced in areas with different deprivation histories. There is, therefore, a need to consider the deprivation trajectories of areas over a long time run. This can then enable, for example: monitoring the effects of industry closure; assessing the impacts of area-based planning initiatives; and determining whether a change in the level of deprivation leads to changes in health outcomes. It can also be used to consider what interventions may be linked with positive changes and which could then possibly be implemented elsewhere. Here we extend previous work to cover a 50-year period using input variables relating to employment, housing, and car accessibility, from the six censuses from 1971 to 2021. We identify areas of persistent (dis-)advantage, those areas which have improved their deprivation situation, and those places where the situation has worsened. We cross-classify the changing deprivation measurements with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Supergroups area classification to thereby determine how different types of area are faring. On average, areas are less deprived in 2021 than in 1971. However, the trajectories of the input variables and of overall deprivation are not linear. The earlier decades are distinctive in rapid falls in non-home ownership and lack of car access but rises and falls in unemployment. The more recent decades have seen rises in non-home ownership and household overcrowding. Geographically, there has been a shift from a widespread level of deprivation, including in more rural areas in 1971, to being more concentrated in urban areas in the 21st Century.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING HOUSING AFFORDABILITY FOR LOW-INCOME GROUPS IN SUBURBAN AREAS OF JAKARTA, INDONESIA

The suburban areas of Jakarta have been chosen for the provision of subsidized housing to meet the needs of the Low-Income Community (MBR). The affordability level for MBR is a critical consideration in the provision of such housing. Suburban areas offer an advantage over inner-city areas due to relatively lower land prices. As a result, the development of housing for MBR has shifted to Jakarta's suburbs such as Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi Regencies. Previous research reviews have identified factors influencing MBR housing affordability, including housing location, housing accessibility, and travel behavior. Aims: This study aims to identify factors influencing Housing MBR affordability in Jakarta's suburban areas, including Tangerang, Bekasi, and Bogor Regencies. Methodology and results: Research variables include housing affordability, housing location, housing accessibility, and travel behavior. The research design uses a survey questionnaire method. The number of respondents from each regency is 40 MBR families residing in subsidized housing, randomly selected. The analysis technique used is multiple linear regression using Smart-PLS software. The study results show that the factors of housing location and travel behavior affect MBR housing affordability, while the accessibility factor does not. Conclusion, significance and impact study: In suburban areas, to make housing affordable for MBR, it is necessary to provide easily accessible, integrated, and affordable public transportation infrastructure; provision of various facilities accessible by walking/cycling; and considering the density of MBR housing to attract various parties to provide facilities.

Housing the Teacher Workforce: A Scoping Review

Globally, education systems are faced with dual workforce crises: a shortage of teachers and a lack of affordable housing. Attracting and retaining teachers through improved renumeration, working conditions, and quality preparation have been central. However, initiatives to attract and retain teachers mean little if the workforce cannot find appropriate (quality and affordable) housing within commuting distance to their workplaces. The present study undertakes a scoping review of research on the intersection of housing and the school education workforce. Specifically, we examine the volume, variety, and characteristics of evidence through the question of ‘What empirical studies have been published on the relationship between housing and the school education workforce?’ Online databases were used to identify 23 studies published in 2000–2024 from Australia, China, England, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK, and the USA. Publications drew on a range of methods and housing was rarely the focal unit of analysis. This study finds that beyond establishing unaffordability through salary and housing costs ratios, and the peripheral inclusion of housing issues in studies, there is insufficient published peer reviewed evidence available to purposefully inform and measure interventions. Greater interdisciplinarity is required in research to highlight the complexity of issues at the intersection of housing (availability, affordability, and distance from workplaces) and workforce distribution. More rigorous data should be collected to support robust reporting on the state of housing for the school education workforce to deliver the type of evidence necessary to develop targeted and tailored interventions to improve outcomes for the workforce and ultimately students.

Systematic Review: HIV, Aging, and Housing-A North American Perspective, 2012-2023.

Advances in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) have decreased mortality rates and subsequently led to a rise in the number of HIV-positive people living longer. The housing experiences of this new population of interest-older adults (50 years and older) living with HIV-are under-researched. Understanding the housing experiences and unmet needs of older people with HIV can better provide comprehensive care services for them. This study's systematic review evaluated the peer-reviewed literature reporting housing access/insecurity/assistance/options, housing impact, and unmet needs of older individuals living with HIV in North America from 2012 to 2023. Furthermore, Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), a text-mining technique, and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) for text clustering were utilized to examine unstructured data from the abstracts selected from the review. The goal was to allow for a better understanding of the relationships between terms in the articles and the identification of emerging public health key themes affecting older adults living with HIV. The results of text clustering yielded two clusters focusing on (1) improvements to housing and healthcare services access and policies and (2) unmet needs-social support, mental health, finance, food, and sexuality insecurities. Topic modeling demonstrated four topics, which we themed to represent (1) a holistic care approach; (2) insecurities-food, financial, sexuality, and other basic needs; (3) access to housing and treatment/care; and (4) homelessness and HIV-related health outcomes. Stable housing, food, and healthcare services access and availability are critical elements to incorporating comprehensive, holistic healthcare for older adults living with HIV. The aging population requires high-priority policies for accessible and equitable healthcare. Clinicians and policymakers should address individual barriers, adopt a patient-centered approach, increase doctor visits, provide competency training, ensure long-term follow-up, involve families, and improve patient education in care management, contributing to HIV/AIDS geriatric care models.

Assessing Resident Satisfaction in Subsidized Housing in Indonesia: A case study of FLPP subsidized housing in Bekasi Regency

The Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) program in Indonesia is designed to provide subsidized housing to Low-Income Communities (LIC) with the overarching goal of fostering homeownership. However, a burgeoning issue has emerged wherein these subsidized residences either remain unoccupied, are leased out, or undergo ownership transfers within a five-year period post-purchase. This research delves into the examination of resident satisfaction within FLPP-subsidized housing, a pivotal determinant potentially influencing residents’ choices to either continue residing or relocate. A survey encompassing 100 respondents was conducted in Bekasi Regency, a selected locale notable for its disproportionately higher concentration of FLPP-subsidized housing units compared to proximate areas surrounding Jakarta. Employing scoring methodologies for data analysis, our empirical findings reveal divergent levels of satisfaction among residents residing in different FLPP-subsidized housing estates in Bekasi Regency, ultimately reflecting an overarching sense of contentment. Nevertheless, certain facets of concern have surfaced, specifically pertaining to housing quality, accessibility, and public transportation. These specific areas assume critical significance, given their potential implications on housing affordability and overall habitability, thereby warranting targeted policy interventions. This study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of subsidized housing initiatives, shedding light on the determinants impacting resident satisfaction and subsequent housing-related decision-making processes.

Optimizing bikeshare service to connect affordable housing units with transit service

Affordable housing and transit accessibility have long been focal points for housing and urban development agencies at all levels, from national to regional. However, these elements are often considered and planned for independently, leading over time to an expanding spatial gap between affordable housing and transit services. This separation creates issues of mobility equity. Fortunately, bikeshare, an emerging mobility solution, provides the potential to bridge this spatial gap between affordable housing communities and transit services. To leverage this, we designed a bikeshare station (BSS) location optimization tool that aims to alleviate the impacts of this spatial divide through bikeshare services. Specifically, we developed a multimodal agent-based modeling (ABM) and simulation framework aimed at enhancing accessibility to a variety of destinations. To solve this optimization problem, we developed a genetic algorithm to determine the optimal locations for BSS. There are three main conclusions from this research. First, the strategic positioning of BSS will enhance accessibility for affordable housing community (AHC) residents by reducing average transit travel time and walk distance, or increasing the number of destinations accessible by transit. This underscores the advantages of combining bikeshare and transit systems to cater to the mobility requirements of AHC residents, especially for non-work-related trips in suburban areas. Second, the relationship between transit and bikeshare is twofold: complementation and substitution. In instances where a lengthy trip involves multiple transit transfers and significant waiting time, bikeshare could replace some transit trips. Lastly, but most importantly, this study advises a forward-looking approach for governments and operators to avoid the waste of public resources when planning bikeshare systems. The tool developed by this research can facilitate this forward-looking approach in practice.

Housing and the West Cork islands: a national crisis in microcosm

Abstract This article explores the first academic study on the housing crisis on Ireland’s offshore islands through a case study of the experiences and views of islanders on the West Cork islands. The paper covers the risk which the current housing crisis in Ireland represents for the ability of the West Cork islands, already susceptible to depopulation, to retain the next generation of existing inhabitants and attract newcomers. Through a participatory research project conducted between October 2021 and November 2022, the article reveals the challenges facing the West Cork islands in terms of housing affordability, availability and quality, and how these impact on the sustainability of island living. It also documents innovative policies and initiatives that islanders would like policymakers to implement to ensure the housing crisis is addressed and full-time populations on the islands are secured and sustained. The article concludes by reflecting on the recent National Islands Policy 2023–2033 in light of the current study.

Does gentrification constrain housing markets for low-income households? Evidence from household residential mobility in the New York and San Francisco metropolitan areas

This research investigates whether gentrification restricts housing markets for low-income households by focussing on the New York and San Francisco metropolitan areas from 2013 to 2019. We investigate whether gentrification correlates with increased out-migration and decreased in-migration of low-income residents in affected neighbourhoods, and how it shapes where out-movers relocate. We leverage a unique longitudinal dataset to compare two extreme regional contexts characterised by significant affordability challenges and intense housing regulations. By doing so, this study aims to provide a more refined understanding of gentrification and residential mobility dynamics, avoiding broad generalisations or a narrow focus on single metropolitan contexts. The findings indicate that in both regions, low-income households are indeed more likely to leave gentrifying neighbourhoods compared to non-gentrifying ones and less likely to enter them compared to higher-income households. The study also finds mixed results regarding the subsequent residential situations of these low-income movers. Based on these findings, we provide implications for research and policies oriented towards improving housing and neighbourhood access for low-income households in rapidly changing urban areas.

Multidimensional poverty of ethnic minority households: A case study in A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue province

“Poverty” is widely known as a multifaceted concept and could be evaluated using multidimensional measurements. In Vietnam, there is still too little research conducted at the micro level in villages, communes, and households. This study explored multidimensional poverty in ethnic minority communities in the Central region of Vietnam. Based on the result of the survey of 221 ethnic minority farmers in A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue province, this study applied the Alkire-Foster method to measure the multidimensional poverty of farmers through 11 indicators of 6 aspects of poverty, including income, education, health care, housing, living standard, and information access. The results showed that about 39.82% of households are in multidimensional poverty. The degree of deprivation in the 6 poverty dimensions was not consistent, with a large proportion of shortages related to income (72.64%), housing area (6.04%), and adult education (6%). Using the Binary Logistic Regression model showed that 8 factors affect the multidimensional poverty of ethnic minority households, including family size, farm size, number of livestock, irrigation, diverse farm income sources, diverse non-farm income sources, distance to central markets, and number of adverse external influences. Critical recommendations from the study to reduce multidimensional poverty of ethnic minority households include: diversifying livelihood activities for households, both non-farm and on-farm, with a greater focus on livestock; maintaining and developing good agricultural production land, including investment in irrigation and mechanisation of production; strengthening support for farmers to access the market...

Precarious Work and Housing for Michigan Farmworkers During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

ABSTRACT Objectives Farmworkers in Michigan face precarious and exploitative labor conditions that affect their access to affordable, fair, and quality housing, which are key social determinants of health. We sought to assess the health, working conditions, and housing access, affordability, and quality of farmworkers living in and outside of employer-provided housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a mixed methods cross-sectional study in collaboration with community partners from the Michigan Farmworker Project and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. We assessed housing, labor conditions, and general health through in-depth phone interviews with seasonal, migrant, and H-2A farmworkers (n = 63) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) in Michigan. Descriptive analyses of these data included comparisons by type of farmworker and type of housing (employer-provided or other). Results The majority of farmworkers interviewed were women and seasonal farmworkers and spoke primarily Spanish. A significant share of farmworker participants reported living in poverty (38.3%) and had low or very low food security (27.0%). Nearly half of farmworkers (47.6%) rated their health as “fair” or “poor” during the year prior to the interview, and more than a third reported 3 or more chronic conditions (39.6%) and lack of health insurance coverage (38.7%). Among the 43 workers tested, 25.6% reported testing positive for COVID-19. Farmworkers reported experiences of objectification and dehumanization. Three-quarters of workers reported feeling that they were treated as less than human by supervisors and one-third reported verbal abuse. Farmworkers also experienced challenges exacerbated by their social vulnerability that impeded them from finding affordable, quality housing. Regarding housing quality, the majority of workers (80.6%) reported one or more environmental hazards around their residence, and about a third reported not having air conditioning (33.%) and lacking a functioning washing machine (33.9%). Concerns about the quality of drinking water accessible to workers and exposure to chemicals were shared by participants. Conclusion This study adds valuable knowledge to the understanding of the systemic barriers to housing and work conditions for female and male seasonal, migrant, and H-2A farmworkers in Michigan. Shortcomings in the regulatory and policy environment result in precarious housing and work conditions, including exploitative labor practices. These conditions negate equality, fairness, and health equity, important tenants for public health.

Driving in Cars with Noise

Driving in Cars with Noise

Creating inequality in access to public transit? Densification, gentrification, and displacement

Densification is a key concept in contemporary urban planning. Yet, there are widespread concerns about densification causing displacement and gentrification. This paper examines densification around train stations—a prevalent form of transit-oriented development (TOD) in cities with established public transit systems—in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. We assess the effects of densification around train stations on the socioeconomic population composition in these areas and investigate three different potential displacement effects. Leveraging 1.8 million linked person-housing unit observations for all individuals within our study perimeter, we provide a more nuanced understanding of densification’s effects on the population composition and displacement than prior research. Our findings reveal that even though densification increases the absolute number of low-income residents, it primarily benefits middle- and high-income households. Specifically, there is a decline in the share of low-income residents, attributed to the influx of younger high-income individuals. Moreover, incumbent low-income residents experience an increased risk of direct displacement due to housing demolitions. These outcomes highlight the limitations of TOD strategies in mitigating persistent socioeconomic disparities in public transit access, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive measures to address the challenges of equitable housing and public transit accessibility.

Transparent reporting and equity in mortgage lending: A comprehensive review

This comprehensive review delves into the critical intersection of transparent reporting and equity within the realm of mortgage lending. With the housing market serving as a cornerstone of economic stability and social mobility, the equitable distribution of mortgage loans is paramount for fostering inclusive growth and mitigating systemic disparities. The paper scrutinizes existing literature, regulatory frameworks, and industry practices to assess the extent to which transparency and equity are upheld in mortgage lending processes. By examining key metrics such as loan approval rates, interest rates, and access to credit, this review sheds light on persistent inequities and identifies potential avenues for improvement. Additionally, it explores the role of technology, data analytics, and policy interventions in promoting transparency and equity across various stages of the lending lifecycle. Ultimately, this review underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts from policymakers, financial institutions, and stakeholders to enhance transparency and promote equity in mortgage lending practices. The pursuit of transparent reporting and equity in mortgage lending stands as a cornerstone of fair and accessible housing finance systems globally. This comprehensive review synthesizes current research, regulatory frameworks, and industry practices to illuminate the intricate dynamics shaping mortgage lending equity and transparency. Through a nuanced analysis of factors such as credit scoring mechanisms, discriminatory practices, and regulatory oversight, the review identifies persistent challenges and emerging trends within the mortgage lending landscape. Furthermore, it investigates the potential impact of socioeconomic factors, demographic shifts, and technological advancements on the equitable distribution of mortgage credit. By elucidating the linkages between transparency, equity, and financial stability, this review offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to foster more inclusive and resilient mortgage markets. In conclusion, the review calls for concerted action and collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and equity as foundational principles in mortgage lending practices.

Assessing current state and prospects for housing construction development in the Far Eastern Federal District of the Russian Federation

Housing commissioning in the Far Eastern Federal District of the Russian Federation was low until 2019, which resulted in housing availability lower than the national average. The Government of the Russian Federation implemented the program on preferential mortgage lending “Far Eastern Mortgage” that led to an increase in the housing availability in apartment buildings in the macro-region, purchased on credit, while stimulating price growth at a rate outpacing the increase in household incomes. The purpose of the study is to develop proposals for improving measures to support the housing construction market of apartment buildings in the Far Eastern Federal District. The data on the volume and structure of multifamily housing under construction, the main factors of construction cost formation in the macro-region have been analyzed. The mechanism of mortgage influence with state support on the supply growth has been described. It is shown that the dynamics of supply is insufficient to achieve the average Russian values on housing provision of the population, in this connection stimulation measures require improvement. The high dependence of the housing market on mortgage lending programs with state support has been revealed. Based on the comparative analysis of the Far Eastern Mortgage program with other preferential mortgage programs, the article presents proposals for improving the measures of state support for multifamily housing construction in the Far East.

Abstract 2248: Diminished survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is linked with residence in redlined neighborhoods

Abstract Redlining refers to the practice of classifying neighborhoods with racial minorities and low-income residents as “hazardous” for investors. This discriminatory practice by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) has been shown to impact patient cancer incidence and outcomes in breast, lung, cervical, and colorectal cancers. In this study, we evaluate the impact of HOLC status on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) outcomes in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health Cancer Registry was queried for adult patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from 2009-2018. The HOLC grade (A: best, B: still desirable, C: definitely declining, D: hazardous) of each patient’s address was determined using the University of Richmond Inequality map. Patient demographics, treatment, and survival data were compared by HOLC Grade via descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analysis. 394 patients were identified (A: 24 (6.1%), B: 54 (13.7%), C: 198 (50.3%), D: 118 (29.9%)). There was no association between patient age, sex, insurance status, receipt of therapy, or smoking history and HOLC status. Patient race was significantly associated with HOLC status with more Black patients living in areas with worse HOLC grades compared to White patients (p<0.001). Survival analysis demonstrated that lack of surgery and chemotherapy (p<0.0001), metastatic disease (p<0.0001), and residential status in areas of HOLC grade D (p=0.012) were associated with worse survival. Based on Cox regression analysis, patients who lived in areas with HOLC grade B (adjusted HR 0.70; CI 0.49-0.98) and C (adjusted HR 0.74; CI 0.58-0.95) had improved survival compared to those living in areas with HOLC grade D. Additionally, age greater than 65, metastatic disease, and lack of treatment were associated with worse survival. Residence in a redlined neighborhoods can play a significant role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma outcomes. Location in a “hazardous” area in Virginia is associated with worse survival in PDAC patients. Disparities in socioeconomics, housing, education, and food accessibility in these areas likely play a role in shaping these outcomes. Future studies are warranted to further investigate this disparity in care. Citation Format: Vignesh Vudatha, Devon Freudenberger, Christopher Liu, Leopoldo Fernandez, Jose Trevino. Diminished survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is linked with residence in redlined neighborhoods [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2248.

Family and community resilience: a Photovoice study

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs), in combination with adverse community environments, can result in traumatic stress reactions, increasing a person’s risk for chronic physical and mental health conditions. Family resilience refers to the ability of families to withstand and rebound from adversity; it involves coping with disruptions as well as positive growth in the face of sudden or challenging life events, trauma, or adversities. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to family and community resilience from the perspective of families who self-identified as having a history of adversity and being resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study used Photovoice, a visual participatory research method which asks participants to take photographs to illustrate their responses to a research question. Participants consisted of a maximum variation sample of families who demonstrated family level resilience in the context of the pair of ACEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family members were asked to collect approximately five images or videos that illustrated the facilitators and barriers to well-being for their family in their community. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using the SHOWeD framework to allow participants to share and elucidate the meaning of their photos. Using thematic analysis, two researchers then independently completed line-by-line coding of interview transcripts before collaborating to develop consensus regarding key themes and interpretations.ResultsNine families were enrolled in the study. We identified five main themes that enhanced family resilience: (1) social support networks; (2) factors fostering children's development; (3) access and connection to nature; (4) having a space of one’s own; and (5) access to social services and community resources.ConclusionsIn the context of additional stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resilient behaviours and strategies for families were identified. The creation or development of networks of intra- and inter-community bonds; the promotion of accessible parenting, housing, and other social services; and the conservation and expansion of natural environments may support resilience and health.

Could Adequate and More Appropriate Housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in New South Wales, Australia, Reduce the Risk of Poorer Health Outcomes?

Objective: Indigenous Australians are estimated to be 3.7 times more likely to be living in overcrowded conditions and are more likely to have poorer health outcomes. To investigate correlations between housing, health and age of death, we used data from the Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU) on the 105 Indigenous Areas (IAREs) within New South Wales (NSW).
 
 Methods: Univariant and multivariant linear regression analysis of the Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU) database.
 
 Results: Our results indicate that for every 1% increase in crowded households in an IARE, avoidable hospital admissions increased by 130 cases per 100,000.
 
 Conclusion: We conclude that this finding is consistent with the view that decreased overcrowding could improve the health of Aboriginal people in NSW.
 
 Implications for public health: Increased housing availability could reduce the demand for health services, including public hospitals.

A Study on Spatial Accessibility and Distribution Suitability of Mutual Property Right Housing in Shanghai

A Study on Spatial Accessibility and Distribution Suitability of Mutual Property Right Housing in Shanghai