Report on Housing as a Critical Determinant for Health and Sustainable Development in Ohio

Introduction: Aligning Housing Policy with Sustainable Development Goals

An analysis of public health data in Ohio reveals a significant correlation between housing instability and infant mortality, a critical challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Nearly half of all infant deaths in the state occur within families experiencing housing insecurity. This report examines a proposed policy intervention by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) that directly addresses this issue by integrating housing solutions with maternal and infant health objectives, thereby advancing multiple SDGs.

The Nexus of Housing Instability and Public Health Outcomes

The provision of stable, affordable housing is a foundational component for achieving positive health outcomes and reducing poverty, in line with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3. Research demonstrates a direct causal link between secure housing and improved maternal and infant health. The benefits include:

• A 40% reduction in preterm births.
• A 2.5 times greater likelihood of mothers receiving adequate prenatal care.
• A 35% decrease in low-birth-weight deliveries.
• A 45% reduction in emergency room visits during an infant’s first year.
• A 50% decrease in maternal stress levels.

These outcomes underscore that housing must be treated as a critical health intervention to reduce infant mortality rates and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their first birthday.

Addressing Systemic Inequalities through Targeted Housing Initiatives

Current eviction patterns in Ohio exacerbate existing social and economic disparities, presenting a barrier to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Data indicates that eviction filings disproportionately affect women and Black families, the same demographics most vulnerable to adverse birth outcomes. In Cleveland, for instance, Black tenants are involved in 64% of eviction filings and women in nearly 60%, both figures being significantly higher than their respective shares of the renter population. Addressing housing instability is therefore a direct mechanism for promoting equity and social justice.

Policy Proposal: The 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and Sustainable Communities

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency is considering a pivotal amendment to its 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), the primary instrument for allocating development incentives for affordable housing. The draft proposal includes a specific set-aside to prioritize housing for pregnant individuals and newly parenting families. This policy aligns directly with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which calls for access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing for all.

A precedent for this model was established in 2018 in Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood, where a similar QAP provision successfully united housing and health initiatives, resulting in reduced infant deaths and the formation of strong community partnerships. This demonstrates the viability and effectiveness of the proposed statewide policy.

Economic and Social Returns on Investment

Investing in affordable housing as a health intervention yields significant economic benefits. Studies indicate a substantial return on investment, with every $1 invested in affordable housing generating approximately $7 in savings on related health care and emergency service costs. This fiscally responsible approach provides a sustainable pathway to achieving public health goals while strengthening the economic fabric of communities.

Recommendations and Call for Stakeholder Engagement

The draft 2026 QAP is currently open for public comment until August 1. This presents a critical window for stakeholders to influence state policy and reinforce the link between housing and health. Engaging in this public process supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting responsive, inclusive, and participatory decision-making. To ensure the adoption of this life-saving provision, the following actions are recommended:

1. Public officials, healthcare providers, advocates, and community members should review the draft 2026 QAP.
2. Submit formal letters of support for the maternal and infant health set-aside to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency at QAP@ohiohome.org by the August 1 deadline.
3. Promote broader awareness of the policy proposal to foster multi-sectoral collaboration, in the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), to ensure that stable housing is recognized and implemented as a fundamental pillar of public health and sustainable development across Ohio.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article addresses several interconnected SDGs by focusing on the relationship between housing stability, health outcomes, and social equity.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The central argument is that stable housing is a critical intervention to reduce infant mortality and improve maternal health. The article explicitly links housing instability to poor birth outcomes, stating, “Nearly half of infant deaths in Ohio occur in families facing housing instability.” It also lists several direct health benefits of stable housing for mothers and infants.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     The article directly addresses the need for “safe, affordable housing.” It discusses a specific policy mechanism, the “2026 Qualified Allocation Plan,” which determines which “affordable housing projects receive valuable development incentives.” This focus on creating adequate and affordable housing solutions within a community is a core component of SDG 11.

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

     The article highlights significant racial and social disparities. It points out that “eviction rates disproportionately impact women and Black families — the very groups most vulnerable to poor birth outcomes.” By advocating for housing policies that support these specific groups, the article directly confronts the issue of inequality.

   • SDG 5: Gender Equality

     This goal is addressed through the article’s focus on “women’s equity,” the specific vulnerability of “pregnant individuals and newly parenting families,” and the fact that women are disproportionately affected by eviction. The proposed policy change to prioritize housing for this demographic is a clear effort to address gender-specific challenges.

   • SDG 1: No Poverty

     Housing instability is a key dimension of poverty. The lack of safe and affordable housing is a barrier to breaking the cycle of poverty and leads to negative health and economic outcomes. The article frames stable housing as a foundational element (“that foundation”) necessary for families to thrive, which aligns with the goal of ensuring access to basic services for the poor and vulnerable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   The article’s content aligns with several specific SDG targets:

   • Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.

     The article’s primary goal is to ensure more babies “get the chance to celebrate their first birthday” by reducing infant mortality. The entire argument is structured around housing as a solution to achieve this target.

   • Target 3.1: Reduce the global maternal mortality ratio.

     While not using the term “maternal mortality,” the article’s focus on improving health outcomes for “pregnant individuals and newly parenting families,” reducing maternal stress, and increasing access to prenatal care directly supports the objective of this target.

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

     The call to action revolves around the “Ohio Housing Finance Agency” and its “Qualified Allocation Plan” to fund “affordable housing projects.” The author’s work specializes in “connecting housing solutions to improved outcomes for families,” which is the essence of this target.

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

     The article identifies that “eviction rates disproportionately impact women and Black families” and advocates for a policy that specifically addresses the needs of these vulnerable groups, thereby promoting their inclusion and stability.

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

     By highlighting that eviction filings “involve women… significantly higher than their share of the renter population” and advocating for solutions that support pregnant individuals and new mothers, the article addresses systemic disadvantages faced by women.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article provides several explicit quantitative indicators that can be used to measure the impact of stable housing and track progress.

   • Health Indicators (for SDG 3)

     The article provides a list of research-backed statistics that serve as direct indicators of progress:

     • Infant mortality rate (implied by the goal of reducing infant deaths).
     • Percentage reduction in preterm births (stated as “40% reduction”).
     • Rate of mothers receiving adequate prenatal care (stated as “2.5 times more likely”).
     • Percentage decrease in low-birth-weight deliveries (stated as “35% decrease”).
     • Number of emergency room visits in an infant’s first year (stated as “45% fewer”).
     • Reduction in maternal stress levels (stated as “50% reduction”).

   • Inequality Indicators (for SDG 10 and SDG 5)

     The article uses eviction data as an indicator of inequality:

     • Percentage of eviction filings involving Black tenants (stated as “64% of eviction filings”).
     • Percentage of eviction filings involving women (stated as “nearly 60%”). Progress would be measured by a reduction in these disproportionate figures.

   • Economic and Housing Indicators (for SDG 11 and SDG 1)

     The article mentions an economic indicator and implies a housing indicator:

     • Return on investment in affordable housing (stated as “for every $1 we invest… we save $7 in related health care and emergency costs”).
     • Rate of housing instability among families with young children (implied by the statistic that “Nearly half of infant deaths in Ohio occur in families facing housing instability”).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5. 3.1: Reduce maternal mortality.	Infant mortality rate. 40% reduction in preterm births. 2.5x likelihood of receiving adequate prenatal care. 35% decrease in low-birth-weight deliveries. 45% fewer infant emergency room visits. 50% reduction in maternal stress.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing.	Implementation of the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) to incentivize affordable housing. Rate of housing instability among families (implied). Economic return on investment in housing ($7 saved for every $1 invested).
   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.2: Promote social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of race or other status.	Percentage of eviction filings involving Black tenants (64% in Cleveland).
   SDG 5: Gender Equality	5.1: End all forms of discrimination against women.	Percentage of eviction filings involving women (nearly 60% in Cleveland). Prioritization of housing for pregnant individuals and newly parenting families.

Source: dispatch.com