Erie Family Health Center

April 4, 2012

Housing Health

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Housing is a moral imperative in America.

--Roxane White, Chief of StaffColorado Governor John Hickenlooper

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What causes a home to be unhealthy?

Unhealthy Condition Outcome

Damp Pests, Mold

Unsafe Accidents, Injuries

Polluted Air (i.e. smoking, poor ventilation) Troubled breathing, Asthma, CO2 poisoning

Pests Asthma, Disease

Clutter Pests, Asthma, Dangerous Chemicals Spills, Dust

Lead-based Paint Poisoning, Injury, neurological/learning disorders

Disrepair/Poor Conditions Injuries, small problem big problemsFurry Friends (Pets) Respiratory Problems, Allergies

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The Burden of Unhealthy Housing

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What You Can Do to Help

Screen Your Patients for Unhealthy Housing Conditions:

• Ask Questions Regarding Housing• Explain to Patients the Link Between Housing and Health• Encourage Your Patients to Talk to Their Landlords

Inform Patient that they have Legal Remedies

• Refer to Health Justice Project

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Housing Resources

If there are problems with your patient’s building, you can report the landlord to the city by calling 311.

A landlord cannot evict a tenant for requesting repairs. If your patient is evicted because of this, contact legal

assistance:     • Lawyer’s Committee For Better Housing: 100 West Monroe

St, Chicago, IL – (312) 347-7600

• Legal Assistance Foundation: (312) 314-1070

• Illinois Legal Aid: (312) 977-9047

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How to apply for benefit programs

For first time applicants:• In person: DHS Family Comm. Resource Ctr. (2753 W

North Ave) • By mail: 2753 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647• By fax: 773.265.7829• Online:

http://fspp.dhs.state.il.us/register/wb/wbHomePre.do

For denials, reductions, or termination of benefits:

• Refer to Health Justice Project

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Review

• Remember to screen your patients for unhealthy housing conditions

• There are legal remedies available for landlords who are not responsive to repair requests.

• Refer your patients to the Health Justice Project• Contact Us:

(Toll Free) 1-800-424-4839(Local) 312-915-6470(Fax) 312-915-6588E-mail: healthjustice@luc.edu

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“In the Health Justice Project, doctors, social workers, lawyers and students of each profession are partnering to

address the social and environmental causes — like unhealthy housing conditions and improperly denied food

stamps — at the root of poor health.”

Emily A. Benfer, clinical professor of law, director of the Health Justice Project, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Beazley Institute for Health Law & PolicyChicago Tribune, October 5, 2011

Health Justice Project