To Improve Outcomes, Health Systems Invest in Affordable Housing

This article details how health care networks in Portland, Oregon are helping expand access to stable housing and supportive services.

The initiative, Housing Is Health, reflects the spirit of a statewide strategy to leverage health care dollars and improve outcomes by focusing on prevention and addressing social needs.

In 2016, Providence, Adventist Health Portland, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Legacy Health, Oregon Health & Science University, and CareOregon made a headline-grabbing announcement that acknowledged the intimate links between housing and health: they revealed plans to invest a collective $21.5 million in the construction of affordable units. Besides the six large health care organizations, other state and local agencies and groups also contributed funds. Central City Concern (CCC), a social service agency, owns the buildings and is developing and managing the project.

This article is part of a series on transforming health systems published with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.