Health and homes go hand in hand. It’s a blueprint for a healthier South Florida | Opinion

By Janisse Schoepp and Annie Lord

South Florida’s housing crisis is one of the most significant social and economic challenges of our lifetime. The combination of spiraling costs and stagnant wages is a formula pushing economic prosperity and affordable housing out of reach for far too many of our neighbors.

Housing stability is a cornerstone of individual and public health; without it, we cannot achieve optimal health. It is the bedrock upon which healthy communities are built and sustained. That is why we held Miami’s first-ever Housing and Health Summit on Nov. 29, with hundreds of local leaders in attendance.

As stewards of South Florida’s future, our collective mission transcends the boundaries of our sectors. We represent a collaborative group of nonprofit leaders dedicated to exploring ways our healthcare and housing sectors can construct a foundation upon which our community can build. The Summit was not just a gathering; it was a pragmatic conversation about an issue that touches the life of every South Floridian — a problem that is solvable with innovative thinking, cross-sector collaboration and community-focused initiatives tailored to the unique needs of South Florida’s diverse population.

We must explore forward-thinking strategies to address housing as one of the main drivers of our community’s health. The Summit did just that, and we will continue to create the space for continued conversation. With the staggering numbers published last month in the Miami-Dade Housing Needs Assessment and the health disparities observed in our community, we cannot sustain a healthy, productive South Florida without stable, affordable housing.

While the current narrative around the housing shortage often positions the problem as an insurmountable crisis, the Health Foundation of South Florida and Miami Homes for All believe we can chip away at the root issues with creative thinking and public-private partnerships.

This is why the Health Foundation, in 2020, adopted an impact investing strategy focused on addressing some of these structural drivers of health. The Foundation recognized that to accomplish its vision for a healthier community, we must begin to address issues like housing and invest our resources differently. As a result, the Foundation made its first $1 million impact investment in a community development financing institution that went toward building affordable homes.

We invite our healthcare partners to join us in thinking about how they can invest in the neighborhoods they serve, recognizing that health starts at home. Together, let’s create health-centric housing solutions that serve as preventative medicine.

We welcome housing developers and financiers to the table to become architects of resilience, creating spaces that do more than shelter—spaces that promote health, community, and environmental sustainability. Through innovative financing and incentives, we can build affordable, sustainable housing that supports a vibrant local economy.

We call on our elected officials, landowners, and policymakers to continue their commitment to tackling this issue. You hold the key to unlocking the potential of land, capital, and legislation. You are helping by prioritizing economic and health outcomes using tax incentives and public financing mechanisms. Our county officials have been doing impressive work. Let’s explore more ways we can work together.

Housing and health partnerships have a growing track of success. Intermountain Health and NewWest Community Capital in Salt Lake City are partnering to address affordable housing and community development in their geographic region. Through this partnership, New West has provided financing, creating more than 4,500 housing units. We are watching their progress and are determined to bring this type of out-of-the-box thinking to South Florida.

In 2021, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reported that every state lacked an adequate supply of affordable housing. In light of this, UnitedHealth Group and UnitedHealthcare committed to helping close that gap. Last year, they invested $100 million, bringing their total investment to $800 million, creating nearly 19,000 homes for individuals and families struggling with housing insecurity. This is the robust framework for wellness and housing we need in South Florida.

Our vision for South Florida is one where every citizen has the security of a home and the assurance of health, for these are mutually reinforcing. While we are making great strides, the Summit was an opportunity to reflect on what’s possible and bring about new thinking. Partnerships don’t just happen. They require time, intention, resources and alignment. We are steadfast in our commitment to creating an ecosystem in South Florida that will bring about effective housing-health initiatives. The time is now; the future of our community is in our hands.

Dr. Janisse Schoepp is chief strategy officer for Health Foundation of South Florida and a board member of Miami Homes for All. Annie Lord is executive director of Miami Homes for All.