Social Housing Residents Research Articles

Housing and Papering Over the Cracks of the Welfare State: Exploring the Role and Impact of Technology as Part of Housing Service Provision in an Era of Multi-level Precarity

The UK welfare landscape is increasingly challenging due to ongoing austerity involving public sector cuts, service retrenchment, and withdrawal of statutory responsibilities. This article shows that as the welfare state contracts, precarity increases and responsibility for service provision is progressively devolved to front-line individuals and service users. To illustrate, the article examines the use of assistive and everyday technologies to improve social housing residents’ quality of life based on a longitudinal mixed methods study conducted between 2020 and 2022. The findings highlight how housing providers can support person-led technology interventions for older residents, where minor improvements positively impact day-to-day living. However, interventions are often limited by practicalities, capacity, and cost. This article connects technological engagement in housing to the ongoing ‘responsibilisation’ of many areas of housing provision to social landlords and tenants. This suggests an extension of responsibility where social housing providers are papering over the cracks in the welfare state.

Exploring the Connection between Social Housing and Employment: A Scoping Review.

Adequate housing is a social determinant of health and well-being, providing stability from which people can engage in important life activities, including self-care and productivity. Social housing is a system-level intervention that aims to provide affordable housing to people vulnerable to experiencing social and economic marginalisation. Given the importance of employment to social-economic status and overall health and well-being, we sought to better understand the available knowledge and research related to employment and living in a social housing environment. We used scoping review methodology to explore peer-reviewed research published between 2012-2022 regarding social housing and employment, identifying 29 relevant articles. Using the Psychology of Working Theory and neighbourhood effects as interpretive theoretical frameworks, we analysed the extracted data. Overall, the results affirmed that social housing residents have low employment rates conceptualised as related to the complex interplay of a range of personal and environmental factors. Most published literature was quantitative and originated from the United States. Policy and research implications are discussed, including the need for more multifaceted, person-centred interventions that support employment and ultimately promote health and quality of life for social housing residents.

Exploring how social housing residents interact with building openings in a hot-humid climate

In a hot-humid climate, natural ventilation is the most recommended strategy for obtaining thermal comfort indoors. The residents' behavior in opening windows and doors to promote natural ventilation is crucial for predicting thermal comfort, especially for low-income housing where energy costs can exceed household budgets. This study identifies residents’ behavior in social housing in northeast Brazil (a hot-humid climate), focusing on actions to regulate thermal comfort with natural ventilation. The methodology comprehends field research, surveys, data processing, and analysis. Interviews with 375 individuals across two social housing complexes reveal the significant role of security and cultural factors in window control behavior. The results highlight the considerable role of security and cultural factors in shaping occupant behavior concerning window control. The residents indicated that they are stimulated to open the windows and doors right after they wake up and close them at bedtime or when leaving the house. Occupancy is a significant driving factor, but the sleep period (unconscious state) plays a crucial role in determining the closure of openings, even to housing units with a 2.0 m high wall on the plot land limits and security bars on windows. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between security, cultural factors, and thermal comfort regulation, proposing valuable insights for design and policy interventions aimed at improving living conditions in similar contexts.

A comparison of self-reported chronic disease, health awareness and behaviours in social housing residents: cross-sectional study of communities in Ontario and Quebec

ObjectiveSocial housing programs are integral to making housing more affordable to Canadian seniors living in poverty. Although the programs are similar across Canada, there may be inter-provincial differences among the health of residents that could guide the development of interventions. This study explores the health of low-income seniors living in social housing in Quebec and compares it with previously reported data from Ontario.Results80 responses were obtained in Quebec to compare with the previously reported Ontario data (n = 599) for a total of 679 responses. More Ontario residents had access to a family doctor (p < 0.001). Quebec residents experienced less problems with self-care (p = 0.017) and less mobility issues (p = 0.052). The visual analog scale for overall health state was similar in both provinces (mean = 67.36 in Ontario and 69.23 in Quebec). Residents in Quebec smoked more cigarettes per day (p = 0.009). More residents in Ontario participated in moderate physical activity (p = 0.09), however, they also spent more time per day on the computer (p = 0.006).

Collective Efficacy and Mixed-Tenure Redevelopment: Insights from Toronto’s Regent Park Neighborhood

It is asserted that mixed-tenure public housing redevelopments can improve informal social control in targeted neighborhoods. We investigate this question using a validated measure of collective efficacy from a survey of residents in Toronto’s Regent Park neighborhood. We find that social housing residents report higher perceived levels of collective efficacy than do residents of the market buildings and that households with children report higher perceptions of collective efficacy than do households without children. Our findings provide some support for existing best practices, particularly the provision of amenities for families and the preservation of social ties among social tenants.

Human-centred factors of decision-making for financial resilience

ABSTRACT In this paper, we have adapted the components and factors of an existing financial resilience measurement framework, and leveraged a survey that reflects the decision-making of Irish social housing residents in money management and their capacity to cope with unexpected financial shocks. Extending existing financial literacy definitions, this paper shifts the perspective from measuring financial resilience components to exploring the drivers that could impact that resilience at an individual level. This bridging of the objective and subjective domains contributes to the common good by exploring how citizens deal with daily decision-making in a financialised world.

Damp and mould—the big picture. How do we tackle the damp and mould crisis in social housing: lessons from the UK

The tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, from extensive and prolonged exposure to damp and mould that had not been dealt with by the social landlord who owned the property, and other high profile news stories, have alerted social landlords to the damp and mould crisis in social rented homes across England. This paper discusses the findings from a 24-h knowledge exchange “Think Tank”, attended by representatives from social housing providers, charities, professional bodies, and residents from across England, to discuss how to tackle damp and mould in social housing. The event was made up of short informal presentations and group discussions in order to share good practice and develop a cross-sector understanding of damp and mould, its impacts, and how it can be tackled holistically. The event highlighted that damp and mould should firstly be seen as a building problem and that residents’ “lifestyles” should not be blamed. Tackling damp and mould should not be seen as the responsibility of one individual or department, all stakeholders need to work together to tackle the problem, ensuring tenants’ wellbeing is at the centre of every decision. Finally, damp and mould cannot be tacked in silo. Social landlords are facing a number of other major challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis, new building safety regulations, and the urgent need to decarbonise their stock. Landlords must think creatively in order to tackle these problems together and consider the big picture to ensure we are not walking towards the next housing tragedy. This paper brings together a wider contextual understanding of how the damp and mould crisis has developed in the UK, the impacts of damp and mould on residents’ physical and mental wellbeing, and the Think Tank findings, to suggest policy and practical recommendations for tackling the problem holistically.

Considering the importance of transport to the wellbeing of Māori social housing residents

BackgroundIndigenous Māori conceptualisations of home extend beyond the house and encompass the ways in which people move in and around their environments. This movement is enabled by appropriate and accessible transport systems. For Māori living in social housing, who may already be disconnected from their whānau (family group, extended family), friends and places of belonging, access to the wider urban environment is essential for supporting health and wellbeing. Despite literature depicting Māori inequities in both transport access and in transport-related health outcomes such as access to a general practitioner, there is little research that explores transport as an enabler of wellbeing for Māori living in social housing. This is the gap that this research fills. MethodsThis qualitative research took a Kaupapa Māori approach and privileged Indigenous Māori worldviews and concepts throughout. Interviews were conducted with twelve Māori residents living in social housing complexes in Christchurch New Zealand. Interviews explored how Māori experienced their housing complex and the travel they did between their complex and the wider urban environment. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed by the lead Māori researcher. ResultsResults describe how residents use different forms of transport to access the environment around their social housing complexes. Despite utilising a wide range of transport modes, participants discussed the barriers they face when using both private and public forms of transport. The research also looks at how Māori living in social housing perceive novel transport technologies and poses questions surrounding the suitability of these schemes for reducing transport inequities. ConclusionsThese localised experiences provide insight into the role transport plays in creating a home and in establishing and maintaining social connections for Māori living in social housing. In doing so, the research explains the link between transport access and Indigenous wellbeing while also exploring some of the concerns those living in social housing have surrounding their inclusion in transport solutions. Findings reinforce the notion that successful transport systems for Indigenous populations come from a place of co-design where Indigenous peoples are equal partners in decision-making.

Health effects of holistic housing renovation in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in the Netherlands: a qualitative exploration among residents and professionals

BackgroundHolistic housing renovations combine physical housing improvements with social and socioeconomic interventions (e.g. referral to social services, debt counselling, involvement in decision-making, promoting social cohesion). In a deprived neighbourhood in Utrecht, the Netherlands, this paper examined residents’ and professionals’ experiences, ideas, and perceptions regarding holistic housing renovation, its health effects, and underlying mechanisms explaining those effects.MethodsSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 social housing residents exposed to holistic housing renovation, and 12 professionals involved in either the physical renovation or social interventions implemented. Residents were interviewed in various renovation stages (before, during, after renovation). Transcripts were deductively and inductively coded using qualitative software.ResultsResidents experienced and professionals acknowledged renovation stress caused by nuisance from construction work (noise, dust), having to move stuff around, and temporary moving; lack of information and control; and perceived violation of privacy. Involvement in design choices was appreciated, and mental health improvement was expected on the long term due to improved housing quality and visual amenity benefits. Social contact between residents increased as the renovation became topic for small talk. Few comments were made regarding physical health effects. The interviews revealed a certain amount of distrust in and dissatisfaction with the housing corporation, construction company, and other authorities.ConclusionsRenovation stress, aggravated by lack of information and poor accessibility of housing corporation and construction company, negatively affects mental health and sense of control. Potential stress relievers are practical help with packing and moving furniture, and increased predictability by good and targeted communication. Social interventions can best be offered after renovation, when residents live in their renovated apartment and the nuisance and stress from the renovation is behind them. Social partners can use the period leading up to the renovation to show their faces, offer practical help to reduce renovation stress, and increase residents’ trust in their organization and authorities in general. This might also contribute to residents’ willingness to accept help with problems in the social domain after renovation.

Perceived Air Quality, Thermal Comfort and Health: A Survey of Social Housing Residents in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is in Central Asia and is the ninth-largest country in the world. Some socially vulnerable segments of the Kazakh population residing in subsidised social housing have experienced a range of problems due to the low quality of housing construction and its planning. Poor indoor environmental conditions in social housing contribute to occupants’ comfort, health, and general well-being. This study assessed social housing residents’ health and quality of life, focusing on their perceived indoor air quality and thermal comfort satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey in Kazakhstan was conducted to test the effects of environmental factors on social housing residents’ health and satisfaction. Four hundred thirty-one responses were analysed, and the SF12v2 questionnaire was used to measure the health-related quality of life. Multiple regression analysis showed that air quality negatively predicted the respondents’ physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health. In addition, age, smoking, and employment status had a significantly negative effect on PCS, while education level had a predictive positive effect. Thermal conditions negatively predicted only MCS, as well as alcohol consumption. Next, the air-conditioning control factor had a negative effect. In contrast, low air circulation, low humidity, high solar gain, temperature imbalance, duration of the residence and alcohol consumption had a significantly positive effect on overall satisfaction with the temperature. The odour sources from tobacco, furniture and external sources were predictors of respondents’ overall air quality satisfaction, along with the duration of the residence, alcohol consumption and smoking status.

Just transitions and sociotechnical innovation in the social housing sector: An assemblage analysis of residents’ perspectives

Creating low-carbon pathways for domestic electricity and heating is a core aspect of the UK Government's housing strategy. Understanding issues of energy justice and the socio-technical dynamics of low-carbon innovation are vital for successfully implementing new technologies and retrofit measures across diverse communities and different housing types. The social housing sector is particularly important in the study of just domestic low-carbon transitions due to the challenges faced by residents concerning energy affordability and insecurity during the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK. This qualitative study, conducted in the Northeast of England, adopts an assemblage thinking approach to examine the experiences of social housing residents. Through thematic analysis of interviewee responses, we identify themes related to cost and affordability; decision-making dynamics and energy justice; disruption, retrofit and ‘fabric first’; energy autonomy and the practicalities of technology choice; and environmental values and collective climate action. We find that justice in the low-carbon home requires social housing organisations to strengthen mechanisms for resident engagement and interconnectedness before retrofit roll-out, to identify independent sources and arbiters of information on upfront and long-term energy costs, to ensure effective mechanisms for the social control of energy use, and to provide a platform to encourage nascent energy citizenship through which residents link pro-environmental behaviours in the home to broader networks of social action on climate change.

Telephone-Based Training Intervention for Using Digital Communication Technologies for Social Housing Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Feasibility and Acceptability Evaluation.

In an era in which digital communication technologies play a pivotal role in everyday life, social housing residents remain highly susceptible to digital exclusion. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a telephone-based training intervention designed to empower people to confidently use digital communication technologies (ie, video calls and web-based messaging). Conducted in collaboration with a UK social housing association, the intervention was facilitated by a unitary authority's Digital Inclusion Team during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed methods approach was used, encompassing quantitative and qualitative data collection on demand, reach, implementation, and potential outcomes. Demographic and qualitative data on the reasons for undertaking or not undertaking the training were collected via telephone interviews during the recruitment process. Digital competency and well-being data were collected via a self-reported survey before and after the intervention. Among the 4485 residents who were offered training, 67 (1.49%) expressed interest, of whom 12 (18%) of the 67 completed the training. The findings indicate a demand for basic digital training among social housing residents. The key findings revolve around the substantial dropout rate among those who were interested in undertaking the training. Barriers were strongly influenced by socioeconomic and health circumstances, reflecting the sociodigital inequalities commonly found in this group. For the training participants, the intervention was acceptable and achieved its goals, demonstrating the potential of tailored, persistent training efforts in overcoming barriers. There were no changes in self-reported well-being or digital competency outcomes (but this was limited by the small sample size). Sociodigital inequalities impact the reach, implementation, and acceptability of telephone-based digital training for social housing residents. Barriers to reaching and training digitally excluded groups can be overcome through the use of trusted intermediaries, personalized recruitment approaches, the minimization of administrative barriers, and tailored and agile training programs. Recognizing the resource-intensive nature of such initiatives, this study calls for enhanced recognition of intermediary efforts in national digital inclusion policies.

Beyond residential segregation: Mapping Chilean social housing project residents’ vulnerability

Residential segregation is an important challenge in Latin America, particularly since its effects on quality of life and access to urban opportunities are increasingly urgent on the public agenda. Segregation has not only arisen in the region due to the market, but also directly due to the State, which has promoted it through creating social housing along urban peripheries, far from job opportunities and urban equipment. This has increased conditions of vulnerability, although such conditions are not homogenously distributed in the territory. The present article proposes a multidimensional vulnerability index for social housing project residents, which apart from the socioeconomic indicator used in official measurements also applies two special indicators: (1) spatial mismatch from employment centers, and (2) an indicator for accessibility to public services and equipment. Unlike the commonly used one-dimensional indicator, the proposed index produces clearer discrimination of the vulnerability levels faced by social housing residents, allowing for better public policy design and improved public resource focusing.

Social housing stigma in Toronto: Identifying asymmetries between stereotypes and statistical actualities of health, crime, and human capital

AbstractResearch on social housing stigma has proliferated due to growing concern over the effects of territorial stigmatization. The stereotyping of social housing as a site of ill‐health, criminality, and low human capital stems from empirically ambiguous narratives created and recirculated through popular modes (e.g., social media platforms, news coverage). This paper combines principal component analysis, k‐means cluster analysis, and geographic information systems to create and visualize clusters denoting different levels of health, crime, human capital, and dwelling composition in the city of Toronto, Canada. The quantitative research design allows for the identification of “asymmetries,” which are census tracts or neighbourhoods assigned to clusters indicative of high social housing density, and one of either sound health, low crime, or high human capital. The results reveal a spatial patterning of asymmetries in the inner city West End and Downtown, and in inner suburban North York, Etobicoke, and Scarborough. Overall, the paper illustrates the need to assess the empirical foundations of social housing stereotypes. Critically assessing stereotypes is important as they belie the rationale for social housing residents' living situations; pathologizes their identity, behaviour, and home; and generates public support for neoliberal solutions that displace long‐term residents from their communities.

Digital competence and psychological wellbeing in a social housing community: a repeated survey study

BackgroundLittle is known about whether digital competence is related to psychological wellbeing, with most previous research focusing on students and elderly people. There is also limited evidence on seasonal changes in psychological wellbeing, particularly in specific groups. Social housing residents are an underserved and under-researched population. The objectives of this study were to explore associations between digital competence (assessed by general technology self-efficacy) and psychological wellbeing (assessed by mental wellbeing and life satisfaction), and to explore seasonal effects, in social housing residents.MethodsA repeated survey design was used. The Happiness Pulse questionnaire with a bespoke digital module was sent via post or e-mail at four timepoints between July 2021 and July 2022 to 167 social housing residents in West Cornwall, England. There were 110 respondents in total; thirty completed all four questionnaires and 59 completed an autumn/winter and summer questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential methods including regression, repeated measures analysis of variance and panel analysis.ResultsSignificant positive associations were found between digital self-efficacy and mental wellbeing, and between digital self-efficacy and life satisfaction. However, there were no significant seasonal changes in psychological wellbeing.ConclusionsThe findings extend the existing literature beyond student and elderly populations and suggest that improving digital competence is a potential pathway to improving psychological wellbeing. Surveys with larger samples and qualitative studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved.

The willingness of social housing tenants to participate in natural gas-free heating systems project: Insights from a stated choice experiment in the Netherlands

One of the main tools to achieve the promise of carbon neutrality is the energy transition. Reducing dependence on traditional energy and promoting the use of renewable energy drives changes in the energy sector and contributes to the energy transition. The building sector is strongly linked to energy consumption and retrofitting the building sector with natural gas energy is a positive energy efficiency strategy. This research aimed to determine the factors influencing social housing tenants in the Netherlands to participate in retrofits and to identify the differences among participants in their preferences. Using a stated choice experiment and discrete choice model, 380 effective social housing tenants in the Netherlands participated. The estimated Mixed Logit Model (MLM) reveals the preferences of social housing residents, and the Latent Class Model (LCM) indicates differences between latent groups. The results show that social housing residents are attracted by saving total housing costs, enhancing living comfort, providing a new bathroom, kitchen and toilet of individual houses and improving the neighbourhood environment. Meanwhile, they are resistant to the interference generated during the renovation process. These findings can be used to guide government and housing organisations in developing retrofit programs that align with the needs and preferences of social housing tenants.

'They are breaking us into pieces': A longitudinal multi-method study on urban regeneration and place-based social relations among social housing residents in Denmark.

Urban regeneration often intends to improve the physical, economic, and social environment of disadvantaged neighborhoods. However, evidence on the consequences of such interventions on place-based social relations is limited in Scandinavia. This study investigates the relationship between urban regeneration and diverse forms of place-based social relations among middle-aged and older social housing residents in Denmark. A longitudinal multi-method design was applied using data from administrative registers and semi-structured individual interviews. The quantitative results showed small changes in household-restricted place-based social relations, whereas participants in the qualitative sample described the disruption of place-based social relations to negatively affect their well-being.

Multifactorial approach to indoor environmental quality perception of social housing residents in Northern Spain

ABSTRACT Social housing users are generally more vulnerable due to age and socioeconomic conditions and have to deal with specific problems related to vulnerability to poor indoor environment exposure. The current housing model does not respond to the diversity of family structures and their needs, and it is, therefore, essential to integrate residents’ perspectives into the process of improving their quality of life, health and comfort. This study aims to analyse the factors that influence the perceived Indoor Environmental Quality and comfort of public rental housing. It also aims to study occupants’ perceived comfort in relation to the characteristics of the dwellings. To achieve the objective of the study, a multifactorial approach has been applied to a sample of 283 dwellings in 16 buildings of the public rental stock in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, Spain, with data obtained in a survey conducted in the winter. The analysis of the incident variables in the perceived indoor environment supports the idea of the influence of occupants’ perspectives and the subjectivity of their responses in the comfort analyses and provides new insight into the relationship between the physical characteristics of social housing and households’ perceived comfort.

The association between social integration and neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety: a cross-sectional survey study among social housing residents in Denmark

BackgroundSocial integration and perceived neighborhood environment are recognized as important social determinants of health. However, little is known about the association between social integration and perceived neighborhood environment among underrepresented population groups, such as residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods, in public health research. The aim of this study is to: 1) Describe the levels of social integration and 2) Investigate the association between social integration and neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety among middle-aged and older social housing residents.MethodsA multilingual face-to-face interviewer-administrated survey questionnaire was conducted among 206 residents aged 45 years and above (response rate: 34.1%) of various nationalities in disadvantaged socioeconomic positions in a social housing area in Denmark. The assessment of social integration was based on cohabitation status, frequency of face-to-face and non-face-to-face interaction with social relations and participation in local association activities. Neighborhood dissatisfaction measured the level of dissatisfaction with the neighborhood, and neighborhood unsafety assessed the level of unsafety being outdoors in the neighborhood. Descriptive statistics were conducted to illustrate respondent characteristics and the distribution of social integration among the study population. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze associations between social integration and neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety, adjusted for age, sex, country of origin, educational attainment and employment status.ResultsIn total, 23.8% of the respondents reported low levels of social integration. A medium level of social integration was associated with higher odds of neighborhood dissatisfaction (OR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.04–5.38) compared to the highest level of integration. A low frequency of face-to-face interaction was associated with higher odds of neighborhood dissatisfaction (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.16–6.06) and neighborhood unsafety (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.04–5.57) compared to the highest frequency of face-to-face interaction.ConclusionsAlmost one-fourth of respondents reported low levels of social integration. A medium level of social integration was associated with neighborhood dissatisfaction. A low frequency of face-to-face interaction was associated with neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety. The results suggest that targeted health promotion interventions designed to foster face-to-face interaction, hold potential to reduce neighborhood dissatisfaction and unsafety among residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Socio-Economic Drivers of Community Acceptance of Sustainable Social Housing: Evidence from Mumbai

The impact of socio-cultural outlooks on the acceptance of sustainability measures in a low-income context should be complemented by better understanding of socio-economic drivers to bridge the gaps between policy expectation and acceptance in social housing projects. The study attempts to explore the different aspects of well-being in determining the housing satisfaction of the residents of social housing under the slum rehabilitation schemes in Mumbai. Social housing offers considerably improved social and environmental sustainability components compared to slums; however, social acceptability remains low due to their location disadvantages. Using primary data collection from the sample of 298 households in Mumbai, the paper explores the varying levels of their housing satisfaction. The study found that economic opportunity is low in slum rehabilitation, mostly reflected in the job loss of the second earner, exacerbated by the change of work after shifting to social housing. Among other factors, location, accessibility of the building, household size and opportunity for social engagement play the most critical role in deciding the households’ perceived housing satisfaction with social housing compared to slums.