The Case for Change
Too often, funding restrictions and other barriers prevent us from working efficiently and holistically to improve the housing stock in struggling communities. Unsafe, unhealthy and energy-wasting homes are the result and lead to poor health outcomes for adults and children alike.
The GHHI approach aligns funding sources, coordinates resources and trains workers to handle all of a home rehab project at the same time. As this work expands and is adopted widely, the benefits will be enormous. Health outcomes will improve. Government and philanthropic resources will be spent more effectively. Workers will be well-prepared to work in the emerging green economy.
GHHI is a social innovation that combines federal, state, local and philanthropic resources more efficiently and comprehensively. Initial data from our work in Baltimore shows that using a single-stream approach to creating Green and Healthy Homes saves more than 25 percent of the cost when repairs are done separately. In other words, for every four houses that are rehabbed, we can tackle a fifth one free.
For too long, many communities in cities, suburbs and rural areas have been devastated by a lack of investment. Looking ahead, these communities will reap the benefit of a coordinated GHHI approach, as the housing stock is improved and economic opportunity increases.
Economic Benefits of Green and Healthy Homes
- Workers employed on Green and Healthy Homes projects increase earnings.
- Fewer days are missed from school or work because of illness.
- Less money is spent on doctor and emergency room visits.
- Less money is spent on heating and cooling houses that are well-insulated.
- Less money is spent on water as leaks and drips are fixed.
- Property values for homeowners increase; landlords are better able to market Green and Healthy Homes.
