The Positive Social Impact of Quality Housing for Families

Barbara Mettle-Olympio

The importance of good housing as a fundamental human need cannot be overstated. It’s a basic human right essential for personal stability, security, and self-respect. But beyond the immediate provision, good housing good housing provides broader societal benefits and forms the bedrock of family life, enabling individuals to thrive, access vital services, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

However, the gap between the availability of good affordable housing and rising demand, exacerbated by a cost-of-living crisis, has led to an increasing number of families living in substandard or temporary accommodation.

This article explores the critical importance of good housing and its impact on families, highlighting two housing projects that are making a real difference and demonstrate significant Social Return on Investment.

Positive Social Impact of Quality Housing

Financial stability
Good affordable housing is crucial for alleviating financial strain on families. With housing costs often consuming a significant portion of household budgets, access to affordable initiatives enable families to allocate resources towards other essential needs.

According to the National Housing Federation (NHF), there’s a widening disparity in housing costs between the wealthiest and poorest households. Alarmingly, nearly half of the poorest households spending over 40% of their income on housing, compared to just 4% of income on housing for the wealthiest households. This growing gap underscores the severe financial strain experienced by low-income families, who are left with limited resources for other essential needs such as food and energy bills. This disparity also extends across generations. Stable and secure living environments contribute to social mobility and long-term prosperity. Children raised in good affordable housing are more likely to perform better academically, achieve higher education levels, and secure well-paying jobs, breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.
Health and affordability
Inadequate housing poses significant health risks. High-profile cases, such as Awaab Ishak’s, have underlined the devastating effects of mould and dampness on health, prompting legislative changes. Overcrowded homes also compound physical health risks. In another NFH survey, 76% of respondents reported adverse physical health effects due to cramped living conditions. Beyond physical health, inadequate housing impacts mental well-being. The lack of dignity associated with substandard housing fosters worry and shame, leading to mental health issues like depression, stress, and anxiety. Research shows that 60% of young people living in inadequate housing feel that this directly negatively affects their mental health. Inadequate housing costs the NHS approximately £1.4 billion annually, with two-thirds of this directly attributed to mould and damp-related issues. Investing in affordable housing can significantly reduce these health burdens.
Educational outcomes
The link between stable housing and children’s educational outcomes is clear. A secure home provides the emotional and psychological stability necessary for academic success. Children living in good homes are able to better focus on their studies, leading to improved academic performance and future opportunities.

A Shelter survey of teachers revealed several challenges faced by children in inadequate housing. Issues included absenteeism, hunger, tiredness, and arriving at school in unwashed clothing, stem directly from the lack of proper facilities in temporary and inadequate accommodation. Good housing located in low crime and poverty in proximity to good schools and enriched with access to community resources like libraries and extracurricular activities further support a child’s educational journey, underscoring the importance of thoughtful urban and community planning in enhancing educational outcomes.

Innovative housing projects with a social impact

Two innovative, standout housing projects that help address the challenges of good affordable homes are the Goldsmith Street development in Norwich and the Hackney New Primary School & 333 Kingsland Road. Both projects have set benchmarks in integrating architectural innovation with social responsibility, offering solutions that go beyond traditional housing concepts.

Goldsmith Street Norwich – Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley

Goldsmith Street in Norwich, awarded the 2019 Stirling Prize is a remarkable example of how innovative architectural design can significantly impact social housing. Developed for Norwich City Council, this project offers 93 home at 100% social rent using the ‘Passivhaus’ method to develop a community-focused environment, setting a new standard for affordable housing.

Residents have testified to the life-changing impact of living in Goldsmith Street from the way in which the design of these Passivhaus homes caps annual energy bills significantly below the national average, alleviating financial stress and allowing savings for other essentials. Moreover, the improved warmth and ventilation have markedly enhanced residents’ health, reducing the need for medications and eliminating damp-related issues prevalent in previous living situations. Such advancements underscore the critical link between well-designed affordable housing and its potential to uplift the financial and physical well-being of its inhabitants.

Hackney New Primary School & 333 Kingsland Road

The Hackney New Primary School & 333 Kingsland Road project stands as an example to the innovative fusion of educational spaces and community living in London’s dynamic urban landscape. Developed for the London Borough of Hackney, this project combines the functional requirements of an outstanding 350-pupil primary school with the complexities of urban housing.

The project capitalises on the limited site area to prioritise educational facilities while ensuring protection from the urban hustle. The development represents a deeper, community-focused approach to learning.

Central to this development is the acknowledgment of the vital link between stable, supportive housing and children’s academic growth. The project offers more than just classrooms and a home; it provides a nurturing environment conducive to learning and personal development, illustrating the profound impact of community planning on educational success.

The project offers 68 new homes ranging from one to three bedrooms, situated above the primary school and a 298m² commercial unit that contributes to the area’s economy.
This project to provide affordable rental homes is a crucial aspect of this development, targeting Londoners on low to middle incomes struggling to find quality housing near their workplaces. This approach addresses a critical need, ensuring that working individuals and families have access to affordable, quality living spaces within the city.

Conclusion

The successes of Goldsmith Street and the Hackney New Primary School & 333 Kingsland Road have demonstrated their significant SROI serve as models for future housing projects. They represent not just a response to the housing crisis but a visionary approach to building resilient, supportive communities where families can flourish.
As such, we call on policymakers, developers, and investors to explore similar initiatives that recognise and leverage the interconnections between housing, health, financial stability, and education, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous society.