The Health Impacts of Housing Instability

The Health Impacts of Housing Instability

Housing is often called a social determinant of health — and for good reason. When someone doesn't know where they'll sleep tonight, the consequences go far beyond discomfort. Housing instability can disrupt sleep, medications, routines, school attendance, work, nutrition and access to medical care. 

Whether someone is couch-surfing, living in a shelter, sleeping in a car or cycling in and out of temporary arrangements, their physical and mental health can be deeply affected. Here's what research and the lived experience of thousands of Americans tell us about what housing insecurity really does to human health.

What Is Housing Instability?

Housing instability - or the fear of losing your home - is an umbrella term that can include:

• Difficulty paying rent, mortgage, or utilities

• Frequent moves

• Overcrowded living conditions

• Poor housing quality

• Risk of eviction

• Homelessness

That broader definition matters. Many households may not be experiencing homelessness at a given point in time, but may still face serious health risks when housing is unstable.

Housing cost burden (spending more than 30% of income on housing) is one key challenge to stable housing; studies show that 42.1 million US households were cost-burdened in 2022. Other common drivers of housing insecurity include job loss, reduced work hours, medical debt, domestic violence, sudden family changes and rising utility or transportation costs that strain already tight budgets. In some cases, unsafe housing conditions or landlord disputes can also force households to move unexpectedly.

Whatever the driving factors, when a family fears losing their home, the effects often show up beyond the household budget, impacting both physical and mental wellness.

How Housing Instability Affects Physical Health

A stable home supports basic health needs. Without it, everyday prevention becomes harder.

Housing instability can also affect physical health in a variety of ways:

• Increased risk of disease: People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for both infectious and noninfectious diseases. More broadly, housing instability can also leave people in unsafe or unhealthy living conditions — such as homes with mold, poor ventilation, pest infestations or inadequate heat — which can increase the risk of respiratory illness, infections and other health problems over time.

• Delayed care: People may postpone doctor visits or prescriptions while managing housing emergencies.

• Worsening chronic disease: Conditions like asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure can become harder to manage when people are moving often or living in unsafe conditions.

• Sleep disruption and stress load: Poor sleep and chronic stress can raise the risk of long-term health problems, including cardiovascular issues.

The Mental Health Impacts of Housing Insecurity

Housing instability and mental health are closely connected.

The experience of not knowing where you will sleep next week, whether rent will be paid, or whether your children will need to change schools again creates intense stress. That stress can contribute to anxiety, depression and substance use challenges, and it can make existing mental health conditions worse.

Stable Shelter Can Improve Health Outcomes

Housing instability harms health, but stable shelter and support can help protect it. That’s where local programs become essential. Here in Terre Haute, Bethany House provides temporary emergency shelter, food, clothing, and case management for families, single women and married couples seeking safe housing.

Those services address urgent needs while also supporting the next steps toward stability. In practice, that can mean:

• A safer place to sleep

• More consistent access to meals

• Help navigating resources and benefits

• Case management that supports long-term planning

For people facing a housing crisis, that combination can make a real difference for both physical health and mental well-being.

Housing Instability Is Also a Community Health Issue

Housing instability does not affect individuals alone. It affects emergency departments, schools, employers and community systems. When communities invest in prevention, shelter and supportive services, they are not only addressing housing needs. They are also strengthening public health.

Catholic Charities Terre Haute has been serving the community since 1973 and provides support across multiple essential needs, including safe shelter, food assistance and youth programming. We provide help and create hope by nourishing the minds, bodies and spirits of children, families, adults and seniors. By collaborating with community partners, we provide nutritious food, safe shelter, quality youth programming and essential personal and household needs to our neighbors. Donate today to support meaningful community change!