The Housing Crisis in Massachusetts Is Also a Health Crisis
Public health has increasingly recognized that people’s health depends not only on medical care but also on the social conditions in which they live.
This approach is articulated through the concept of Social Determinants of Health, which includes factors such as income, education, access to services, and housing.
In Massachusetts, this perspective is particularly relevant due to the sustained increase in housing costs and the growing housing insecurity.
Health systems such as Mass General Brigham have begun integrating housing into their community health strategies, recognizing that housing stability is an essential condition for both physical and mental health.
The Housing Crisis in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is currently facing one of the most significant housing crises in the country.
Housing costs have steadily increased in recent years, creating economic pressure on low- and middle-income families.
Some indicators illustrate the magnitude of the problem:
The average rent in Boston exceeded $3,043 per month in 2025, even after a slight market slowdown. (Boston.com)
At the state level, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,100 per month, one of the highest in the country. (Tenant Rights USA)
More than one quarter of middle-income households and three quarters of low-income households spend more than 30% of their income on housing. (Massachusetts Government)
These economic pressures are contributing to growing housing instability.
Risk of Losing Housing
Rising housing costs have also led to an increase in evictions.
In 2023, more than 35,000 eviction filings were recorded in Massachusetts, approximately 27,000 of which were due to non-payment of rent. (Massachusetts Government)
Since 2022, eviction filings have consistently exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with more than 3,000 cases per month on average. (Massachusetts Housing Partnership)
In 2025, approximately 742 eviction executions were recorded per month, reflecting persistent housing instability. (Massachusetts Housing Partnership)
Losing housing has consequences beyond financial hardship.
It can also affect employment, children’s education, and the mental and physical health of families.
Homelessness in Massachusetts
Rising housing costs and evictions have contributed to a significant increase in homelessness.
According to recent state data:
Massachusetts experienced a 54% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness between 2023 and 2024, one of the largest increases in the country. (Massachusetts Government)
In 2024, 22,845 people in families were experiencing homelessness. (Massachusetts Government)
Additionally, there were 6,950 unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness, the highest number recorded. (Massachusetts Government)
Evidence shows that homelessness is associated with higher rates of chronic disease, hospitalizations, and premature mortality.
Why Is Housing a Critical Determinant?
Housing is now one of the most widely studied social determinants of health.
Evidence shows that the stability and quality of housing directly influence multiple health outcomes.
1. Physical housing conditions
Structural issues such as moisture, mold, poor ventilation, or exposure to pollutants can increase the risk of respiratory diseases, especially childhood asthma and lung disease.
2. Housing insecurity
The threat of eviction or difficulty paying rent creates chronic stress, anxiety, and an increased risk of mental health disorders.
3. Location and environment
Where housing is located determines access to transportation, employment, green spaces, healthy food, and medical services.
4. Impact on chronic diseases
Lack of stable housing has been associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, chronic stress, and other conditions linked to social inequalities.
For these reasons, an increasing number of health systems consider housing stability to be a public health intervention.
The Role of Health Systems
In this context, health systems are beginning to act on the social determinants that influence community well-being.
Mass General Brigham has developed community investment initiatives to address factors such as housing, food security, and economic stability.
The Mass General Brigham Community Health Improvement Plan 2025 establishes a strategy to improve the health of communities in Suffolk County.
Its goal is to reduce premature mortality and increase life expectancy.
The plan addresses both clinical priorities (cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, substance use disorders, and maternal health) and social determinants of health, including housing, access to healthy food, economic stability, mental health, and access to medical services.
Through its Community Health Impact Funds program, the system has committed more than $67 million in community investments, including affordable housing initiatives and social support programs for vulnerable communities.
This approach reflects an important shift in modern medicine: preventing disease by addressing the social conditions that produce it.
Resources for Communities in Massachusetts
For individuals facing housing difficulties, Massachusetts offers several support programs.
Many hospitals, including those within the Mass General Brigham system, also connect patients with social services through social workers and community health programs.
State Housing Assistance
Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
Programs include:
- Rental assistance programs
- Housing subsidies
- Public housing
- Eviction prevention programs
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-housing-and-livable-communities
Housing Stability Support Centers
Massachusetts Housing Consumer Education Centers
They provide free assistance for:
- Eviction prevention
- Access to rental assistance
- Subsidized housing applications
- Housing search guidance
Legal Assistance for Evictions
Greater Boston Legal Services
Available services include:
- Free legal advice for tenants
- Eviction defense
- Support for low-income residents
Connection to Social Services
United Way of Massachusetts Bay
By calling 211, residents can access:
- Housing assistance
- Food banks
- Health services
- Family support programs
Programs for Hospital Patients
Many Mass General Brigham hospitals offer:
- Clinical social workers
- Community navigation programs
- Screenings for social determinants of health
These services help connect patients with community resources related to housing, food access, transportation, and financial support.
Patients can request these services during a medical visit or through the hospital’s social work department.
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org
Implications for Public Health Policy
The relationship between housing and health has important implications for public health policy in Massachusetts and across the United States.
First, it highlights the need for intersectoral policies, where health, housing, urban development, and social services sectors work together.
Second, it redefines the role of hospital systems. Institutions such as Mass General Brigham are acting not only as healthcare providers but also as social investors in community health.
Finally, this approach allows for the development of preventive health models, reducing long-term costs by addressing the structural factors that lead to disease.
