Health Matters

As we get out of the winter months - a time when our kids and many others struggle with illness and mental health - it's top of mind for us that health and housing are inextricably linked.

This study from Eviction Lab found that the risk of death for renters facing eviction was 2.6 times greater than the general population. The stress and instability that an eviction causes are tangible.

The study was summarized by CNN, where Jesse Tree staff Katie Derrick was quoted stating, “A lot of times people talk about how that stress is impacting them. Fatigue is definitely something that sets in for a lot of people, they’re not sleeping well. And I have had multiple clients, as well, who have autoimmune diseases that report flare-ups due to the stress.” Eviction has serious consequences on people's physical and mental health.

Our data also shows that a large number of people facing eviction have pre-existing health issues which can lead to eviction. Over a quarter of people who apply for help during an eviction cite a health issue as their primary reason for needing assistance. Certainly, if folks are evicted, those health issues are exacerbated.

Without stable housing, it's impossible to think about anything else. We're proud that we can provide people with the opportunity to stay in their rental, better allowing them to address their health and other challenges that led to their eviction.